Third ODAC Title for Washington and Lee

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. --- The Washington and Lee women's soccer team won the 2009 ODAC Tournament championship on penalty kicks, 3-2, after tying Virginia Wesleyan, 0-0, on Saturday at Foster Field.

Both teams has several solid scoring opportunities, but were not able to find the net. The second-seeded Generals (16-1-3) led the top-seeded Marlins (17-3-1) in corner kicks, 9-4, while being outshot, 21-8, in 110 minutes of play.

VWC shot first in the penalty kick round, with senior midfielder Nicki Mazzoccone connecting on the first attempt. The Generals went down, 1-0, after misses by their first two kickers, senior midfielder Maggie Sutherland and sophomore defender Corinne Smith.

However, the Generals would respond with three consecutive penalty kicks from sophomore defender Kat Lawson, sophomore midfielder Page Minton and first-year midfielder Ainsley Daigle to advance as the ODAC women's soccer champion for the third time in school history and first time since 2003.

Sophomore goalie Emily Leary was stout in net for the Generals, playing all 110:00 while recording eight saves and making two stops in the shootout. Virginia Wesleyan senior goalie Allison Lennox also played the duration, recording three saves and stopping one penalty kick.

The Generals will return to action in the NCAA Division III women's soccer tournament, receiving an automatic bid by claiming the championship. Opponent, date and time are yet to be determined.  First round play begins on Thursday, November 12.

2009 All-Tournament Team
Ainsely Daigle -- Washington & Lee
Page Minton -- Washington & Lee
Allie Espina -- Washington & Lee
Emily Leary -- Washington & Lee
Nicki Mazzoccone -- Virginia Wesleyan
Allison Lennox -- Virginia Wesleyan
Stacey Zeiler -- Virginia Wesleyabn
Brittney Klippstein -- Lynchburg
Katelyn LeRiche -- Lynchburg
Jessica Welfare -- Roanoke
Gina Valles -- Roanoke


This release is courtesy of the Washington and Lee University sports information department