The NCAA News - News and Features

May 25, 1998

Goalie's 21 saves lift Maryland to fourth straight lacrosse crown

Sophomore goalkeeper Alex Kahoe made 21 saves to lead Maryland (18-3) to a record fourth straight National Collegiate Women's Lacrosse Championship with an 11-5 victory over Virginia May 17 at UMBC.

Kahoe and the Maryland defense held the top-seeded Cavaliers (17-3) scoreless for 24:09 after Virginia had tied the game, 1-1, early in the first period. The Terrapins rang up five unanswered goals during that timespan.

"The defense played great in front of me," said Kahoe, who has made the all-tournament team in each of her first two years. "There was some pressure but I didn't let it get to me."

Tournament most outstanding player Cathy Nelson had four goals for the winners, while Christie Jenkins scored twice and Quinn Carney contributed three assists.

The win was Maryland's seventh straight this season and 10th straight in NCAA championship play. Virginia entered the game riding a 12-game winning streak. The Terps also had defeated the Cavaliers during the regular season, 11-8.

"I'm really proud of my team for persevering throughout the season and coming through at the end," said Terps coach Cindy Timchal, who has led the team to five national championships.

Both teams struggled offensively for most of the first half, but the Terps started to rally when Jenkins scored an unassisted goal with 5:43 left in the period, putting Maryland ahead, 2-1. Virginia did not score again until 24:16 remained in the second half when Mills Hook found the cage. The Terps' biggest lead came after a Jen Adams goal gave them a 9-2 advantage with 16:29 left. Virginia rallied for three more goals before Maryland closed the game with two scores.

In addition to Kahoe, Maryland's Sascha Newmarch made the all-tournament team for the third straight year, and Nelson made the team for the third time in four years. Teammates Kristin Sommar and Kathleen Lund also made the team. Peggy Boutilier, Kara Ariza and Melissa Hayes represented the Cavaliers on the squad. Also honored were Sarah Dacey and Aubrey Falk of North Carolina, and Kate Graw and Jacque Weitzel of Dartmouth.

The paid attendance for the championship game was 3,109, the second highest in tournament history.

In the semifinals, the Terps fought off nemesis North Carolina, 14-9. The win avenged two regular-season losses to the Tar Heels. Nelson had four goals, while Newmarch contributed three.

Virginia slipped past Dartmouth, 10-7, in the other semifinal.

SEMIFINALS

Dartmouth -- 4 -- 3 -- 7

Virginia -- 6 -- 4 -- 10

Dartmouth scoring: Jacque Weitzel 4, Kate Graw 2, Julia Morrill 1.

Virginia scoring: Lacey Aumiller 4, Jessica Hull 2, Mills Hook 1, Peggy Boutilier 1, Kara Ariza 1, Stephy Samaras 1.

Shots: Dartmouth 19, Virginia 13. Saves: Dartmouth -- Sarah Carlson 18; Virginia -- Heather Castle 6.

Maryland -- 7 -- 7 -- 14

North Caro. -- 4 -- 5 -- 9

Maryland scoring: Cathy Nelson 4, Sascha Newmarch 3, Quinn Carney 2, Christie Jenkins 2, Jen Adams 1, Kristin Sommar 1, Noelle Mitchell 1.

North Caro. scoring: Kristin Off 3, Erin McGinnis 3, Lori Pasquantonio 1, Sarah Dacey 1, Gray MacNair 1.

Shots: Maryland 32, North Caro. 27. Saves: Maryland --Alex Kahoe 14; North Caro. -- Debbie Castine 10.

CHAMPIONSHIP

Maryland -- 4 -- 7 -- 11

Virginia -- 1 -- 4 -- 5

Maryland scoring: Cathy Nelson 4, Christie Jenkins 2, Sascha Newmarch 1, Quinn Carney 1, Meredith Egan 1, Jen Adams 1, Kristin Sommar 1.

Virginia scoring: Mills Hook 3, Lacey Aumiller 1, Kara Ariza 1.

Shots: Maryland 29, Virginia 26. Saves: Maryland -- Alex Kahoe 21; Virginia -- Heather Castle 10.