Sept. 21, 2008
Box Score
Box Score in PDF Format
NORFOLK, Va. -- For the first time in program history, the Lady Monarchs (7-1) defeated an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) team on Sunday, as they dropped the Wolfpack of NC State (7-2) with the final score, 1-0. Sophomore Kelsey Williams knocked in the deciding goal off assists from junior Jodi Knorowski and sophomore Alyssa Pietrobono. It was Pietrobono's first career point.
ODU controlled the pace of the game and never allowed the Wolfpack to get situated on offense. NC State was averaging nearly 17 shots per contest coming into the game and was held to a season low-tying four shots in the game. The team managed just one shot on goal, off the foot of Kendall Irby.
Old Dominion pressured the NC State defense constantly, putting 16 shots on the board and 10 on-goal. ODU missed several opportunities in the first half before Williams connected from about 10 yards out in the 40th minute of play. Knorowski started the play at the top of the box with a touch pass to Pietrobono on the left side, who played the ball on one touch to Williams for the score.
The goal was Williams' first of the year while Knorowski tallied her second helper. Pietrobono's assist was the first of her career.
The win extended a 17-match unbeaten streak at home against non-conference opponents for the Lady Monarchs, dating back to the start of the 2004 campaign. NC State saw a similar streak, dating back to 2004 as well, fall as it was the first time since that the team lost consecutive out of league games.
Lauren Tupman played the full 90 minutes, giving her a 7-1 record and four solo shutouts. The defense continues to impress in front of Tupman, allowing just five goals in eight games for a team goals against average of 0.61. Seniors Marilee Mastaler and Elizabeth Brewster, with rookie Lisa Bernardini and junior Brittney Kortz have allowed just 48 shots this season, an average of six per game.
ODU returns to the pitch on Friday night at 7:00 pm as they host Georgia State in the conference opener. The Panthers have started the season on a tear, winning seven of their first eight games, led by the CAA's leading scorer Kay Harbrueger. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for children, seniors, faculty/staff and military.
NOTE: ODU has defeated the ACC's Virginia Tech twice and Miami once, prior to their joining the conference. ODU was 0-9-1 coming into today's game in games against ACC foes.
NCST 0-0=0ODU 1-0=139:51 ODU Williams, Kelsey (1) from Knorowski & Pietrobono
Shots: NCST (4), ODU (16)Corner Kicks: NCST (1), ODU (8)Offsides: NCST (3), ODU (1)Saves: NCST-Kern (9); ODU-Tupman (1)