Tusculum Women’s Soccer Advances to Elite Eight

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. -- Tusculum's Kelly Barron scored the match-winning goal in the 108th minute as second-seeded Pioneers shocked No. 1 seed Carson-Newman 1-0 in double-overtime to win the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Southeast Regional Sunday afternoon at McCown Field.

Tusculum (14-2-3), ranked No. 19 in NCAA II, advances to next Saturday's national quarterfinal match at the University of Tampa. Tampa won the South Region by defeating West Florida.

Tusculum keeper Whitney Wardrop was outstanding in goal as she posted 13 saves, while recording her 12th shutout of the season. Carson-Newman (18-2) out-shot the Pioneers by a 23-7 margin on the day. Tusculum tallied its second straight 1-0 win in NCAA postseason play following Friday's 1-0 win over Armstrong Atlantic State University.

Barron's goal was assisted by Becky Carreiro on a deflection. For Barron, it was her eighth of the season and her first match-winner of the year.

This marks Tusculum first trip to the NCAA II Elite Eight. Tusculum advanced to the Southeast Region finals in 2003, but was defeated by eventual national champion Kennesaw State University. The time of next week's match will be announced later this week.

Carson-Newman (18-2) dominated possession for the game, outshooting the Lady Pioneers 23-7. Becky Angus led the Lady Eagles with four shots on goal in her final game as a Lady Eagle. Brittany Moore and Christie Murray collected two shots on goal apiece while Zarmena Kasparites, Leslie Marcouiller, Jessie Stephens, and Erica Stegner had one shot on goal each.

The Lady Eagles conclude the 2006 season at 18-2. Despite the loss, McNamara had high praise for his seniors.

"I just want to thank all of them," McNamara said. "They've had a fantastic four years here and I want to send them off with the very best wishes."

2006 Tusculum College Women's Soccer
#19 Tusculum vs #4 Carson-Newman (Nov 05, 2006 at Jefferson City, TN)

Tusculum (14-2-3) vs. Carson-Newman (18-2)
Date: Nov 05, 2006 Attendance: 250
Weather: Partly Cloudy, mid-50s

Goals by period 1 2 OT O2 Tot
-------------------------------------
Tusculum............ 0 0 0 1 - 1
Carson-Newman....... 0 0 0 0 - 0

SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 108:14 TCW Kelly Barron (Becky Carreiro) - goal off deflection

Shots: Tusculum 7, Carson-Newman 23
Saves: Tusculum 13 (Whitney Wardrop 13), Carson-Newman 3 (Nyssa
Griffin 3)