Runnin' Bulldogs Advance to Big South Women's Soccer Championship Finals on Shootout 4-2 Over No. 6 Liberty
November 07, 2010 | Women's Soccer
RADFORD, Va. - No. 7 Gardner-Webb advanced to the Championship match in penalty kicks (4-2) over No. 6 Liberty in the sixth match of the 2010 Big South Women's Soccer Championship presented by Musco Sports Lighting Saturday at Patrick D. Cupp Stadium in Radford, Va. The Runnin' Bulldogs advance to the title match for the first time as Big South Conference member. They are also the second consecutive No. 7 seed to play for the Championship, and will face No. 5 High Point for the title.
Most of the match was a defensive battle with the majority played in the midfield. For Gardner-Webb, Megan Trembley tallied five shots. Liberty had four different players record three shots, including Maria Owen, who had a chance to win the match on a bicycle kick with seconds remaining, but it sailed wide right. The score remained 0-0 throughout two overtime periods, forcing the decision to be made through penalty kicks.
The Runnin' Bulldogs' Stephanie Benshoof, Melissa Battista, Sarah Keyser and Jordan Hodge all made their penalty kick attempts, with Hodge scoring the eventual game-winner.
Chelsea Hearne made six saves on the day, including two crucial stops in penalty kicks to send Gardner-Webb to the title game. Ashley Nyholt also had a strong performance by stopping six shots for Liberty.
"It's survive and advance, so however you can take it." stated Gardner-Webb head coach Kevin Mounce regarding tonight's match. "We're just taking it one game at a time and I can't be anymore proud of the girls than tonight."
GWU outshot the Lady Flames 19-16 on the evening and held a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks. Gardner-Webb moves to 7-9-5 on the year, while Liberty ends its season at 8-10-3
Sunday's match will begin at 2:00 PM, with live video available on the Big South Network at www.bigsouthsports.com and live stats available at www.GWUSports.com. The winner of Sunday's Big South Women's Soccer Championship match will receive an automatic bid to the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
| Box Score: #7 Gardner-Webb 0, #6 Liberty 0 (GWU advances 4-2) |
