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Nov. 20, 2009 The longest IUP women's soccer season in school history came to an end Friday when the Crimson Hawks dropped a 2-0 decision to California in the championship game of the NCAA Atlantic Region tournament in Albany, N.Y. IUP, which finished with a record of 14-7-2, had never advanced past the second round of the NCAA tournament until defeating Gannon and West Chester last weekend. But the Crimson Hawks lost for the third time this season to the Vulcans, who will meet host Saint Rose Sunday for a berth in the Final Four. Saint Rose remained undefeated at 23-0 with a 1-0 victory over Franklin Pierce in the East Region championship game that was played earlier in the day. Kelly Brennan, the first team All-PSAC West goalkeeper, made seven saves for IUP. She allowed a first half goal by Kayla Fransko at the 14:45 mark, with the assist going to Erin Feltz. Ten minutes into the second half, PSAC West Player of the Year Amanda Heister scored her 19th goal off an assist by Fransko. California held a 14-6 advantage in shots, including 8-1 in the first half, but the Crimson Hawks had scoring opportunities, taking five corner kicks to only two for the Vulcans. Paula Jackson made two saves for California, which is ranked No. 23 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll. The game was the final one for four IUP seniors, including captains Sarah Romasco and Ashley Florijan in addition to Melinda Lieb and Kim Kowalski. Romasco finished her career as IUP's all-time leader in goals with 65, assists with 40 and points with 170. |
