Washington and Lee, Va. Wesleyan Meet on Saturday

SALEM, Va. --- Washington and Lee University and Virginia Wesleyan College were both victorious in semifinal action on Wednesday afternoon, setting up the 2009 ODAC Women's Soccer Tournament championship game.  The Generals topped Lynchburg College, 2-1, in Lexington.  The Marlins downed Roanoke College, 5-1, at home.

In September, Washington and Lee (16-1-2) announced itself as a team to watch with a 4-1 victory over the Marlins (17-3) at W&L.  Freshman Ainsley Daigle scored three times in that contest, leading the Generals to the second of 12 conference victories.  Virginia Wesleyan has not lost since that contest, winning 13 straight games through Wednesday's event with Roanoke.

Against the Maroons in the semifinals, VWC's Meaghan DiBiase opened the Marlins' account with a goal from 10 yards out in the 25^th minute.  Kristyn Anselmo made it 2-0 Marlins less than four minutes later with an effort from 15 yards.

Gina Valles got one back for the Maroons in the 36^th minute.  Her effort from 20 yards out found the right corner.  It also marked the final score of the half, sending both teams into the intermission with VWC ahead, 2-1.

Christina Fernandes made good use of a DiBiase pass in the 53^rd minute, slotting it past the Roanoke keeper for a 3-1 advantage.  Nikki Mazzaccone added the Marlins fourth tally from 20 yards to the far right post in the 67^th minute, and Katie Gradel capped the game's scoring in the 72^nd minute to secure the Marlins' 5-1 victory.

In Lexington, the Hornets jumped on top of Washington and Lee in the 25^th minute.  Betsy Kwiatkowski was taken down in the box, giving LC a shot from the spot.  Ashley Hoath took advantage of the opportunity, beating the W&L keeper for her fourth goal of the season.

Washington and Lee leveled the score about two minutes later when Maggie Sutherland slipped a header past the Lynchburg goalie in the 27^th minute.  Katheryne Lawson delivered the ball that led to the goal.

The remainder of the first half and 43 minutes of the second half lent plenty of chances to score for both teams, but neither broke the deadlock until the 88^th minute.  Alllie Espina took a pass from Katie Howard and notched her team-leading 12^th goal of the season to send the Generals through to the finals.

The 2009 ODAC Women's Soccer Tournament championship game is set for Saturday, November 7, in Virginia Beach, Va.  A game time has yet to be determined.  For more information on ODAC women's soccer, visit the website of any of the participating schools, or go to the ODAC's NEW home on the Internet at www.odaconline.com.  To go directly to the tournament website, click HERE.