Senior forward Katy Sturtz broke a scoreless tie as host Ohio Wesleyan downed Amherst, 1-0, November 18, giving the Battling Bishops their first Division III Women's Soccer Championship.

With 7:45 left in the first half, freshman Deborah Lochner sent the ball from the left side to Sturtz, who knocked it down and then fired the would-be game-winner into the top left corner of the goal past Amherst goalkeeper Brooke Diamond.

"That was a world-class goal, one of the best goals I've seen," Ohio Wesleyan head coach Bob Barnes said.

Ohio Wesleyan controlled most of the first half with Sturtz narrowly missing a scoring opportunity in the first two minutes of the game. The Lady Jeffs' defense thwarted another opportunity midway through the period, then Diamond made her first save with 19:02 left in the half.

Amherst failed to convert a scoring opportunity early in the second half when Lee-Jay Henry threatened in the box, but Ohio Wesleyan's Amy Work blocked the shot.

Henry had another chance midway through the half when she beat two Ohio Wesleyan defenders before being stopped by senior midfielder Megan Forman.

The Bishops had to rely on the crossbar twice in a matter of seconds to stop Amherst's most serious scoring threat with just over 15 minutes to play. After an Amherst corner kick, midfielder Cathy Poor headed the ball goalward only to have it ricochet off the crossbar. Poor got the ball again after the ensuing scramble, but her left-footed shot hit the crossbar again.

Amherst's final try was during the last few seconds on another Henry ball, but Ohio Wesleyan goalkeeper Mindy Hammond covered the ball, running down the clock.

Both teams finished their seasons with school-record win totals. Amherst finished 16-5-1, while Ohio Wesleyan's 22 wins also established a North Coast Athletic Conference record.

Amherst's Poor was named the tournament's most outstanding offensive player. She was joined on the all-tournament team by teammates Katharine Shipley and Margaret Rubin. Ohio Wesleyan landed Sturtz, Emily Bayer, Katie Buchert and Akaya Terrell (most outstanding defensive player). Anne Merten and Buffy Morris of Willamette and Rebecca Mouw and Sarah Kron of Wheaton (Illinois) completed the all-tournament team.

Semifinals

Second half: OW -- Katie Buchert (Liz Sheehan, Katy Sturtz), 62:35; W -- Buffy Morris (unassisted) 72:34.

Overtime: OW -- Sheehan (Emily Bayer, Sturtz), 95:13.

Shots: Ohio Wesleyan 18, Willamette 10. Goalkeeper saves: Ohio Wesleyan (Mindy Hammond) 3; Willamette (Shelby Springer) 6.

Second half: A -- Cathy Poor (Jenny Rossman), 72:17.

Shots: Wheaton 10, Amherst 8. Goalkeeper saves: Wheaton (Brita Nelson) 4; Amherst (Brooke Diamond) 6.

Championship

First half: OW -- Katy Strutz (Deborah Lochner), 37:15.

Shots: Ohio Wesleyan 11, Amherst 8. Goalkeeper saves: Ohio Wesleyan (Minday Hammond) 1; Amherst (Brooke Diamond) 4.