The NCAA News - News Features

One goal is all it takes for Ravens to win II women's soccer

Franklin Pierce, known for its offense, was held to one goal in the Division II Women's Soccer Championship final November 24, but that was enough for a 1-0 victory over host Lynn.

Lynn had handed the Ravens their only loss of the season in September, but Franklin Pierce exacted revenge to win its third consecutive title.

Midfielder Jen Miller, the lone senior on the Ravens' roster, tallied the only goal of the match on a cross from sophomore midfielder Christy Santiago just over four minutes into the second half. Lynn -- which had won 28 straight games and had not been shut out in 71 games -- outshot the Ravens, 19-11, and by 14-3 in the second half, but Franklin Pierce goalkeepers Marisa Giannone and Pauliina Miettinen turned away several scoring attempts by the Knights.

"We're a better team now than the first time we played them," Ravens head coach Jeff Bailey said. "Lynn plays very quickly and puts you under pressure. The first time we played, we got caught up playing their game -- playing 100 miles per hour."

Franklin Pierce won last year's title with a 5-0 victory over Barry, and set or tied 12 championship records. The Ravens had gone unbeaten in each of the last two seasons. This year's squad finished 18-1, while Lynn completed a 20-1 campaign.

Franklin Pierce shut out St. Joseph's (Indiana) in the semifinals, 2-0. The Ravens outshot the Pumas, 25-6, and scored two goals in a four-minute span in the first half. St. Joseph's (23-2-1) was making its first semifinal appearance.

Lynn escaped trouble in the semifinals, scoring with less than three minutes remaining to nudge Regis (Colorado), 2-1. Malene Timm-Anderson converted a pass from Erin Tasse for the game-winner. Jenny O'Brien of Regis had knotted the match at 1-1 with a goal in the 72nd minute of play. Regis completed its season at 15-5-3.

Franklin Pierce placed five players on the all-tournament team, including Miller (the tournament's most outstanding offensive player), Miettinen and Santiago. Ravens defender Brenda van Stralen, the tournament's most outstanding defensive player, also was selected along with teammate Pauliina Auveri, who assisted on the Ravens' second goal against St. Joseph's.

Lynn was represented by Tasse, Katie Katzmark, Keri Remillard and Nicki Sellas. O'Brien and goalkeeper Dani Campbell were chosen from Regis, and Denise Hutchinson and Mary Reid represented St. Joseph's.

SEMIFINALS

St. Joseph's (Ind.) -- 0 -- 0 -- 0

Franklin Pierce -- 2 -- 0 -- 0

First half: FP -- Pauliina Miettinen (Anne Parnila), 34:28; FP -- Melissa Munro (Pauliina Auveri), 38:10.

Shots: St. Joseph's (Ind.) 6, Franklin Pierce 25. Saves: St. Joseph's (Ind.) (Denise Hutchinson) 7, Franklin Pierce (Marisa Giannone) 1. Corner kicks: St. Joseph's (Ind.) 2, Franklin Pierce 8. Fouls: St. Joseph's (Ind.) 22, Franklin Pierce 14. Attendance: 211.

Regis (Colo.) -- 0 -- 1 -- 1

Lynn -- 0 -- 2 -- 2

Second half: L -- Katie Katzmark (unassisted), 47:51; R -- Jenny O'Brien (Natalie Rodgers), 71:49; L -- Malene Timm-Anderson (Erin Tasse), 87:05.

Shots: Regis (Colo.) 3, Lynn 23. Saves: Regis (Colo.) (Dani Campbell) 5, Lynn (Keri Lief) 1. Corner kicks: Regis (Colo.) 1, Lynn 8. Fouls: Regis (Colo.) 3, Lynn 4. Attendance: 430.

CHAMPIONSHIP

Franklin Pierce -- 0 -- 1 -- 1

Lynn -- 0 -- 0 -- 0

Second half: FP -- Jen Miller (Christy Santiago), 49:25.

Shots: Franklin Pierce 11, Lynn 19. Saves: Franklin Pierce (Marisa Giannone 4, Pauliina Miettinen 2) 6, Lynn (Keri Lief) 5. Corner kicks: Franklin Pierce 5, Lynn 8. Fouls: Franklin Pierce 8, Lynn 6. Attendance: 1,214.