Women's Soccer | 11/7/2009 5:07:20 PM

MARTINSVILLE, Va. - The Methodist women took the 1-0 lead midway through the first half of the USA South Tournament Championship, but Christopher Newport came back with two goals in less than five minutes to earn the win.

Both teams had opportunities in the first half, but the first 45 minutes passed scoreless. Methodist struck first when Danielle Minichello scored off of a corner kick by Ashley Kolano at the 59:11 mark.

Five minutes later the Captains answered with a goal from Kendall Dishaw after Elise Haug's corner kick. Haug then pushed the Captains ahead with a goal of her own with an assist from Emily Chesbro at the 69:07 mark. Both teams kept the pressure up for the remainder of the game, but Christopher Newport held on for the 2-1 victory.

The 2009 championship marked the Captains' fourth tournament championship in the last six years. Elise Haug earned most valuable player honors for the tournament with a goal and assist in today's game. 

With the win Christopher Newport earns the USA South automatic berth to the NCAA Division III women's soccer tournament. The bracket will be released on Monday to determine who the Captains will play next.

USA South Athletic Conference Women's Soccer All Tournament Team
Most Valuable Player: Elise Haug, Christopher Newport
Goal Keeper: Dineen Sampson, Christopher Newport
Forward: Whitney Roberson, Methodist
Forward: Tiffany Van Decker, Christopher Newport
Forward: Maggie Hart, Meredith
Midfield: Sam Ciaravino, Christopher Newport
Midfield: Tessa Hall, Greensboro
Midfield: Danielle Minichello, Methodist
Defender: Emily Chesbro, Christopher Newport
Defender: Erica Nath, Methodist
Defender: Kelly Orpin, Methodist


USA South Men's and Women's Tournament Web Site 

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