Stetson Captures A-Sun Tournament Berth
October 28, 2005
DeLand, Fla. -- Kelly Kuenning and Sarah Stock each scored goals as Stetson clinched an Atlantic Sun Conference tournament berth with a 2-0 victory over visiting Jacksonville Friday night at the Stetson Soccer Field.
Goalkeeper April Eilering recorded her school-record 18th career shutout for the Hatters (8-11, 4-6 A-Sun), who captured the sixth and final spot in next week's A-Sun Championship.? Stetson will face no. 3 seed and host Gardner-Webb in a quarterfinal match at 7 p.m. next Thursday night.
After losing starting the year 0-6 in conference play, the Hatters won their final four A-Sun contests, including three straight on the road and two in overtime.
"We have been the victim of some really bad luck, and?it seemed like for a while we found a way to lose every game," Hatter head coach Julie Orlowski said.? "But I give a lot credit to the leadership on our team and the seniors, and we knew if we stayed with it and kept working hard that eventually we would break through.? The last four games have been our conference tournament.? We knew if we lost we were done."
Kuenning's team-leading fifth goal of the season came on a header less than six minutes into the match.? Kim Oostdyk set up the tally with a cross from the right corner.? The Hatters made the lead hold up through the first half and deep into the second half.? Sarah Stock banged home a rebound for her fourth goal of the year with under seven minutes to play.
Eilering made three saves in her record-breaking performance.? The Hatter junior surpassed Genevieve Roy's mark of 17 career shutouts.
Michelle Kmiotek made two saves in goal for the the Dolphins (7-9-3, 4-5-1).? Jacksonville will be the no. 4 seed for the tournament and will face no. 5 ETSU in the other quarterfinal match.? Top seeds Campbell and Florida Atlantic earned byes to the semifinals.
"It was great to send our seniors off with a victory," Orlowski said.? "We have the momentum and we have the confidence going into next week."
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