LAS VEGAS (Nov. 10, 2001) Two first half goals by two different players led the BYU women's soccer team to its third consecutive MWC Championship crown, a 2-1 victory over UNLV, Saturday.
The Cougars scored early with Lydia Juke's goal in the fifth minute of the game, followed by Kelly Hunsgerber's powerful kick that hit right under UNLV's crossbar for the second BYU score with just 10 minutes remaining in the first half of action. Hosts UNLV avoided the shutout with a late score by Jenny Ruiz with just two minutes left on the game clock.
Lydia Ojuka's three goals in the tournament garnered her MVP honors with three teammates Aleisha Cramer, Jennie Christianson and Aurelin Weidner joining her on the All-Tournament Team.
"We came out with a lot of intensity in this game and I think it was good for us to get that first goal early," said head coach Jennifer Rockwood. "We played our style of possession ball, kept our composure and concentrated on us and not worry about the other team," added Rockwood.
The Cougars (13-6-1, 5-1-0) will represent the MWC in next week's 64-team NCAA tournament. The bracket will be announced on Monday afternoon. This will be BYU's fifth straight post -season appearance in the programs seven-year history.
-AGATE-
BYU-2; UNLV-
Scoring Summary: BYU-Lydia Ojuka, 5:49 (unassisted)
BYU-Kelly Hunsberger, 35:32 (unassisted),
UNLV-Jenny Ruiz, 88:30 (unassisted)
Shots: BYU- 23; UNLV-9
Keeper Saves: BYU-Jennifer Waldron (0)
UNLV- (Alice Gleason (9)