Penn State Tops Princeton In Women's Soccer Tournament

Nov. 15, 2002

College Park, Md. - Christie Welsh, the 2001 Hermann Award winner as the nation's top collegiate women's soccer player and a strong favorite to win again this year, scored two goals 39 seconds apart early in the first half to lead Penn State to a 2-0 win over Princeton in the opening round of the 2002 NCAA Division I tournament at Ludwig Field at the University of Maryland.

Penn State advances to Sunday's second round against the winner of the late game between Maryland and American.

Princeton ends its season at 13-3-1 and with the program's first outright Ivy League championship. Penn State, ranked 12th, improved to 16-3-1.

"I thought it was a fair result," said Princeton coach Julie Shackford. "They were very sharp, and when they scored the two goals early, it threw us off."

Welsh scored on a bullet from outside the box at the 12:51 mark, and she then converted a chip shot from 10 yards out after a long ball from Heidi Drummond 39 seconds later. "I am excited with the way we played and with the win," Welsh said. "Eeryone pulled together and worked hard. It was a great team effort. It feels good to be able to help the team and score when we need to.

Penn State dominated the first half, outshooting Princeton 14-0. The Tigers had not allowed more than one goal in a game during the regular season.

"We did our best to keep up the energy," said Princeton defender Janine Willis. "We didn't let up. Things just didn't go our way. We have no complaints about our season. We're happy with what we did. She [Welsh] is a great player. She did some things that other players can't do."

Princeton took four shots in the second half and had several good scoring opportunities.

"Princeton is a good, hard and well-organized team," said Penn State head coach Paul Wilkins. "This is the most hard-working team we have faced all year. This was not an easy game and I am happy with the way the team played."

Princeton was playing in its fourth straight NCAA tournament and sixth in the program's history. The Tigers are 1-3 in their last four first-round games, while Penn State advanced to at least the second round for the fifth straight year.

Princeton graduates six seniors, including four-time first-team All-Ivy League selection Heather Deerin and three other starters. The Tigers scored 28 goals this season, and 22 of them were scored by players who return.

"I thought we played with a lot of character, especially in the second half," said Shackford. "We had a very good year. I know it's disappointing, but we hope to get back here again next year."

Princeton (13-3-1) 0-0 -- 0

Penn State (16-3-1) 2-0 -- 0

Scoring: PSU Christie Welsh (Stephanie Smith) 12:51, PSU Christie Welsh (Heidi Drummond) 13:30.

Shots: Princeton 4, Penn State 22

Saves: Princeton: Jean Poster 5; PSU: Amanda Brown 4

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Recent Results