Ncaa Women S Soccer Tournament 2009: NEW BRITAIN, CONN. – Northeast Conference Tournament MVP Mary Wilks, netted the game-winner just 1:02 into overtime to pace the Monmouth University women’s soccer team to the 2009 NEC Championship, as the Hawks defeated top-seeded Central Connecticut State 1-0, on Sunday afternoon. With the victory, the Hawks claimed their second title in three seasons.
As action started in the first overtime session, senior Alessandra DeTata won a tackle and fed Wilks for her 13th goal of the season, and the first-team All-NEC performer’s seventh game-winning tally.
“It was a tremendous season for our team and to add the championship title only magnifies it,” stated head coach Krissy Turner, who has guided the Hawks to 10 NEC Tournament appearances. “Our players deserved this as they worked extremely hard, day in and day out, along with their terrific team chemistry.”
All-NEC first-team goalkeeper, Lia Fierro made three saves in net for the Hawks, posting her second shutout of the postseason, giving the junior 14 on the season.
Monmouth held a 13-12 advantage in shots in the game. The Hawks, who nearly scored on Ali Kliment’s corner kick service just three minutes into the second half, as the ball hit the crossbar, held a 5-2 edge in corners.
Turner added, “I am extremely proud to be the coach of the 2009 women’s soccer team. We are excited to find out our next opponent and begin preparing for Friday’s match.”
Monmouth (15-4-1) advances to the NCAA Tournament field, which will be announced on Monday evening at 8:00 p.m., on ESPN News. The Monmouth Athletic Department will host a Selection Show gathering on the 3rd floor of the Multipurpose Activity Center, on Monday night, which is open to the public.
Wilks (two goals, two game-winners), was joined by Kliment, Fierro (two shutouts) and senior Andrea Lopez on the All-Tournament Team.
Monmouth’s 15 wins in 2009 is the most for the program since the Hawks won 17 games each during the 1994, 1995 and 1996 seasons.
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