Nov. 9, 2008
Final Stats
Lake Charles, La. - Using the same formula they used to win the Southland Conference regular season championship, the Texas State women's soccer team captured the 2008 SLC Tournament championship with a 2-1 victory over McNeese State Sunday afternoon at the Ward 3 Complex.
Texas State improves to 13-3-4 overall and claiming its fourth tournament title and advancing to the NCAA Championship tournament. The tournament bracket will be announced Monday at 7 p.m. on ESPN News. A watch-party for the event will be held at the Sac-N-Pac room located in the End Zone Complex at 7 p.m. as well.
"This was a great team win because the team really came out focused," said head coach Kat Conner. "They understood what they had to do strategically and they executed it and we walked away with the win."
In a matchup between the top two seeded teams in the tournament, the Bobcats took an early 1-0 lead when Rikki Padia scored six minutes into the match on an assist from Kelsey Bernard.
Texas State marked the board quickly in the seventh minute of action with a goal from senior Rikki Padia. On a well-placed corner kick from Andrea Grifo to the top box, Kelsey Bernard dished off to Padia who was waiting on left side for the score. A McNeese defender was waiting inside the net and punched the goal out for what looked to be a blocked shot, but the official ruled the goal had crossed the line, giving the `Cats an early 1-0 lead.
Fighting back and the end of the first half, the Cowgirls broke through at 40:53 when Kamryn Koch took a shot that was deflected by Mandi Mawyer, but Jordan Picou caught the remains and slid in the tying goal to the right corner.
"McNeese State was definitely a viable opponent," added Conner. "They made some good runs at us and we had to work. This is not a team you take lightly; we really had to work for this win."
After the half, Texas State maintained possession in the close-kept match, thanks to defensive efforts from the back line. The Cowgirls, who attempted 12 shots in the first half, were rationed to seven and just three shots on goal.
"Our defense held strong and were just on fire," added Conner. "It was very nice to see them recognized for all the hard work they had put in all season. They have shutdown several fast-paced offenses and it's just very nice to see them recognized for how hard they have worked."
With the defense closing off the Cowgirls offense, Texas State's forwards were able to power through and regain the lead. Padia, Lindsey Tippit and Britney Curry were all dominate within scoring range and created a number of opportunities to score. At 54:03, Lewis sealed one of the attempts with the game-winning header past Shelby Money.
"(Lauren) Lewis had a great tournament and was always there waiting in the wings to put any ball in the net that came within range," said Conner. "She was on target the entire game."
Texas State clinched five All-SLC Tournament team members in the effort, including Lewis' most ¬-valuable player nod. href="http://txstatebobcats.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/mtt/mawyer_mandi00.html">Mandi Mawyer earned All-Tournament team honors after recording five saves in the championship game and ended the tournament allowing just one goal and registering eight saves in two games overall.
Jessica Elting, Christina Racanelli and Anna Fagan also earned All-Tournament honors after piloting Texas State's strong defensive play.
Texas State earns the SLC's automatic bid to the NCAA Soccer Tournament and will now await the announcement of the NCAA bracket Monday night at 7 p.m. on ESPN News.
