FOLEY, Ala. – Freshman Sydney Somers scored in the 108th minute for the eventual game-winner as Old Dominion defeated James Madison 2-1 on Sunday to capture its second straight Sun Belt Conference Championship at the Foley Sports Tourism Complex.
The win marks the third straight conference crown for ODU (13-2-5) after winning the Conference USA title in 2021. It also is the first time in ODU history that two teams won conference titles on the same day as field hockey also won the BIG EAST crown.
The Monarchs will learn of their spot in the NCAA Tournament on Monday afternoon at 4 p.m. with the selection show streamed on NCAA.com.
"What an amazing win this was. We came from behind in a championship game in double overtime playing our third game in five days," said ODU Head Coach Angie Hind. "Wow, I ran out of words today to describe this team and staff. They showed such amazing character, belief, determination and trust in each other. I thought we were immense today."
In the second 10-minute overtime period, Somers took the ball a couple steps outside the 18-yard penalty box and blasted one into the top left corner at 108:10 for the 2-1 margin. ODU kept JMU at bay for the final minutes to lock up the third straight crown.
"Our conference as a whole proved this year, we are on the up with almost half of the teams in the top 60 nationally. There are so many talented players and coaches, you could see that from the caliber of the games here this week," Hind said.
"So, to finish as a champions speaks volumes to the quality and mentality of our team. We have such a great blend of experience and new players and today's game probably highlighted that more than any. Ece's goal getting us level and back in the game and then Sydney, a freshman defender, driving forward and hitting that amazing strike to win the match in overtime," she added.
The offensive side started up early in the second half as JMU cracked through on as Suwaibatu Mohammed put one in off a feed from Ellie Johnson at 51:06.
ODU responded 10 minutes later as Tournament Most Outstanding Player Ece Turkoglu found the back of the net off feeds from Ashlynn Kulha and Riley Mullen to tie the game at 61:41.
A defensive battle in the first half saw a total of seven shots combined as neither team could get one through the board. On the day, ODU outshot JMU 16-6 and had a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Earning All-Tournament honors were: Andrea Balcazar Algarin, Thalia Morisi, Anessa Arndt and Malia Mariano along with Turkoglu.
"We wait now and see where our NCAA journey will begin but for now we enjoy this moment as it is something to treasure," said Hind. "I could not be more proud or grateful to be able to lead the team and staff."
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Sun Belt Tournament Champions