November 8, 1998

UNC Greensboro Slips Past Furman To Claim SoCon Women's Soccer Title In Overtime

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Southern Conference Player-of-the-Year and Tournament MVP Ali Lord scored two goals in the first overtime to propel UNC Greensboro to a 2-0 victory over Furman in the Southern Conference women's soccer championship match Sunday at Eugene Stone Stadium. With the victory, the Spartans earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, beginning Wednesday, November 11.

Furman and UNC Greensboro played to a scoreless tie through regulation, until Lord stepped in with two goals in a two minute span. The first goal was scored at the 100:48 mark as Lord slipped a ball passed Furman keeper Melissa Barnes off double assists from Lynsey McLean and Danica Baker. Lord's second goal was scored as she took a pass from Pa'tra Glavin in front of the goal and knocked it in to the goal.

Furman attacked the Spartan defense throughout the second overtime period, but like in regulation, was unable to put it past Spartan keeper Kathryn Clewley. Clewley recorded 8 saves on the day. The match was evenly played through regulation as neither team was able to score despite 17 shots for the Paladins and 16 for the Spartans. The Furman defense erased most of the Spartan scoring opportunities with the speed of defender's Lauren Killey and Bridgett Giles, while Clewley was the defensive hero for the Spartans.

Furman and UNC Greensboro battled 10 days ago for the regular season championship, and like this one, the Spartans won in overtime.

"I believe this match makes a very positive statement on the state of women's soccer in the Southern Conference," said UNCG coach Jack Poland. "Furman took it to us and had us on the ropes. This match, along with the last one, were absolutely anybody's ball game. (Goalkeeper Kathryn) Clewley came through for us, especially in that 10 minute stretch in the second half when Furman was attacking so hard."

UNC Greensboro improves to 13-8-1, while Furman drops to 13-8 on the year. UNCG's Ali Lord was named Southern Conference Tournament MVP.

Scoring:

• UNCG - Ali Lord (Lynsey McLean, Danica Baker assists) 100:48
• UNCG - Ali Lord (Pa'tra Glavin assist) 102:40

Shots on Goal: Furman - 21; UNCG - 22.

Corner Kicks: Furman - 6; UNCG - 7.

Saves: Furman - 6; UNCG - 8.

Fouls: Furman - 19; UNCG - 18

All Tournament Team

• Ali Lord, UNCG, MVP
• Danika Baker,UNCG
• Jenny Moore,UNCG
• Kathryn Clewley, UNCG
• Sarah Tollick, Furman
• Tara Brexel, Furman
• Melissa Sutton, Furman
• Brenda Wichman,Wofford
• Amanda Berman, Wofford
• Tara Chaisson, GSU
• Kelly Burrell, GSU

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