TEMPE, Ariz. - A monsoon, a one hour rain delay and a sudden death overtime period were all part of BYU's women's soccer team opening game of the 1999 season. A header by sophomore Sarah Higham in the overtime period clinched the 3-2 Cougar victory over Arizona State, late Friday.
ASU scored first on the opening kick. Junior defender Athelia Graham gave the Cougars a 1-1 tie with a goal in the 39th minute of the game.
All-American senior Maren Hendershot gave BYU the lead early on in the second half with her first goal of the season. But ASU persisted tying up the score and sending the already delayed game into overtime.
"We played extremely well in both halves and we controlled the midfield area," said head coach Jennifer Rockwood. "ASU is a very good and talented team with many dangerous players. Our players did very well on offense and defense and it's a good start for our season."
The 14th ranked BYU team travels to big sky country for games against Northwestern and Montana in Missoula on Sept. 4 and 6 prior to their home opener against Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Sept. 9.
BYU-3, ASU-2 (ot)
Scoring:
ASU
BYU, Athelia Graham, (unassisted)
BYU, Maren Hendershot (Sarah Higham, assist)
ASU,
BYU, Sarah Higham(Natalyn Orchard, assist)
Shots: BYU:19; ASU:5
Goalkeeper Saves: BYU: 2; ASU:6