Nov. 7, 2003

Box Score

Birmingham, Ala. - For the second straight year Southeast (10-5-5) ended their season in a shootout after playing their hearts out in a double-overtime tie. Southeast and Samford (12-4-4) battled hard, but neither could find the net through 110 minutes of scoreless play in semi-final action of the OVC tournament. Samford advances to the tournament championship as they out scored Southeast 4-1 in penalty kicks.

Southeast outplayed Samford as they controlled the run of play through most of regulation. Southeast out shot Samford 11-8 in the match, but couldn't get the ball past Samford keeper Crystal Royall. The Otahkians had the best chance to score in the 12th minute of play as junior forward Diana Poovey hit the post with a shot that deflected back towards the goal. Royall got to the ball just before it crossed the goal line.

Samford's best chance to score came in the 17th minute when junior defender Keala Ryan found herself alone 15 yards from goal. She sent a bomb just over the crossbar.

Southeast had the best opportunity to score in the second half and in overtime. Junior defender Heather Reding let loose a blistering shot that was just high in the 77th minute. Then just three minutes into the first overtime, Marla Gianino sent a header forcing Royall to make a diving save.

Southeast keeper Amanda Wrzos faced eight Samford shots during the 110-minutes of scoreless play, saving one. Keeper Crystal Royal faced eight Southeast shots and made three saves.

Lining up for the shootout Samford sent midfielder Sara Geiger, defender Keala Ryan, forward Marian Wagner, and defender Shay Helmbock. Southeast sent midfielder Megan Hejlek, forward Erin Slattery, and midfielder Michelle Frossard. Samford Geiger netted the first kick, while Southeast's Megan Hejlek answered right back by netting her kick. Samford went on to score their next three as keeper Crystal Royal stopped the next two Southeast kicks. Samford's Shay Helmbock won the shootout for her team by putting the fourth penalty kick past keeper Amanda Wrzos.

Southeast rounds out the season with a 10-5-5 overall record and a league finish of 4-3-1. Samford now advances to the OVC tournament championship as they face Eastern Illinois in the final decision of the tournament.