Oct. 31, 2007
NORFOLK, Va. -- The Lady Monarchs (7-7-2, 3-6-1) will play host to the Tribe of William & Mary (13-4-1, 8-1-1) in the final regular season game of the 2007 season on Thursday night. The game is a must-win for ODU to stay alive in the CAA postseason picture and the Tribe need the victory to ensure a first round bye in the tournament. William & Mary is riding a five-game win streak while ODU is sliding after losing three straight.
William & Mary has has the advantage in the all-time series, 2-13-1. However, both wins and the tie came in the last five matchups with the Tribe. William & Mary won the matchup in Williamsburg a year ago, but ODU tied the Tribe in the CAA semifinals, advancing on penalty kicks to the championship game.
The Lady Monarchs won the last game at home against William & Mary, 1-0.
The Tribe boast both the league's top scorer in Claire Zimmeck and the league's top keeper in Meghan Watson. Zimmeck has scored 16 goals this season while Watson has posted nine shutouts and a goals against average good for third in the nation at 0.44.
ODU will lean heavily on a defense that has been spotty at times, but overwhelmingly dominant at others. Marilee Mastaler heads a corps of defenders with Saratu Dodo, Dani Hammer and Beth Messier that has been very good at times this season.
Offensively, ODU will look to senior Lisa McKenzie and junior Janna Pearson for the scoring, as well as key resereves Jenni Purdum, Chika Umejei and Kelsey Williams.
The game will kick-off at 7:00 pm. Admission is free to students with ID and is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors, children, faculty/staff, and military personnel.