Nov. 10, 2007

Final Stats

ATLANTA - Hardin-Simmons' women's soccer team saw its 18-game unbeaten streak and its season come to end with a 1-0 loss to Emory University, Saturday afternoon in the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championship in Atlanta.

Emory held the Cowgirls without a shot on goal, and freshman Meghan McMahon scored the game's lone goal in a game that was dominated by the defenses.

McMahon's goal came in the 73rd minute of the match. Erinn Van Pelt sent a ball forward to freshman midfielder Melanie Levy, who crossed it over the middle of the box to McMahon. She was able to sneak the ball past the goal line and into the net for the lone score of the match.

Emory had a number of opportunities in the second half as well, taking eight shots during the frame, but the strong play of Hardin-Simmons' 2006 all-American goalkeeper Christi Carr kept the Cowgirls in the game. With 19 minutes remaining in the match, Carr was forced to make back to back saves, one on a shot by Jamie English from 10 feet out, and the other on a header in front of the net from Maya Vankineni. Carr finished the match with seven saves, five of which came in the second half.

"[Carr] made some big saves," said Patberg. "She's very athletic, quick and fast."

After the Eagles took a 1-0 lead, the Cowgirls put together their best scoring opportunity of the match. With 11 minutes remaining, Emory's Grace Lam made a game-saving play, blocking a shot taken Laura Newbrough with a slide tackle, while the Eagles' goalkeeper was out of position.

Emory improved to 16-1-2, while Hardin-Simmons ended its season at 19-2-1. Emory will advance to the NCAA sectionals next weekend.

The game ended the career of four Cowgirls - Newbrough, Jessica Flobeck, Regan Cappella and Beth Craig.

--- HSU ---