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Women’s Soccer Falls in ACC Final

Women’s Soccer Falls in ACC Final

Nov. 10, 2002

TALLAHASSEE, FL–Second-ranked North Carolina (17-1-4) won its 14th-consecutive ACC Women’s Soccer Championship on Sunday afternoon. With a 6-0 win over Clemson, (14-7-0) 6-0 in front of 518 fans at the Seminole Soccer Complex.

Catherine Reddick, who returned to play in the finals after playing with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past week, recorded five points on two goals and an assist. Carolina scored three goals in each half while out shooting the Tigers 18-4 on the afternoon including 11 shots on goal compared to just one for Clemson.

North Carolina opened the scoring eight minutes in the match. Keeper Jenni Branam (7-0-2) launched a punt down the center of the field that bounced about 35 yards away from the Tiger net. Susan Bush ran under the kick just to the left of center of the Clemson penalty box. She took one touch and placed the shot into the side netting at the near post.

The Tar Heels moved out to a 2-0 lead when Elizabeth Ball sent Alyssa Ramsey down the right sideline off a throw-in. Ramsey went endline and sent a perfect service to the backpost where Reddick, who entered the game just 20 seconds before, was waiting. The junior snuck the header shot just inside the post and into the side netting.

With just over three minutes remaining in the first half, the Heels struck again. Freshman Kacey White collected the ball in the center of the pitch and turned to goal. The Arlington, TX native stopped about 25 yards out and blasted a shot straight down the middle and over the head of Tiger keeper Lauren Hoes. The shot caught the crossbar and bounced over the line and into the net.

For the half, UNC out shot Clemson 9-0, took six shots on goal and forced Lauren Heos (7-2-0) into making three saves. The only serious chance the Tigers had came on a misplay in the Carolina backline. Clemson sent a dangerous service into the Carolina six-yard box. Tar Heel defender Carmen Watley deflected the cross right at her own net. Branam was forced into making the save but reacted well and ended the chance Clemson would get on the board off an own goal.

Carolina continued its assault on the Clemson net in the second period. Twenty minutes into the second half, UNC increased its lead to 4-0. Leea Murphy picked up a loose ball inside the Clemson box. She started to make a run to goal when she collided with a Tiger defender. The ball ricocheted right back to her and she fired a shot past Heos into the upper right side of the net.

The Tar Heels moved in front 5-0 in the 76th-minute on an amazing blast from Reddick. The defender launched a shot from the left side of the field and from over 35 yards out, she went back post and stuck the ball into the side netting for her second goal of the match.

In the 80th-minute, the Heels were awarded a free kick from 25 yards out on the left side of the Clemson penalty box. Reddick’s service to the back post found a waiting Sophie Gervais. The sophomore re-directed the pass inside of the back post to give North Carolina the 6-0 win.

All-ACC Tournament Team Susan Bush North Carolina

Elizabeth Ball North Carolina

Jenni Branam North Carolina

Leslie Gaston North Carolina

Allison Mitchell Clemson

Deliah Arrington Clemson

Sarah Turner Clemson

Casey McCluskey Duke

Thora Helgadottir Duke

Jen Biscoe Maryland

Kimmy Francis Maryland

MVP Leslie Gaston North Carolina

Post-Game Quotes Todd Bramble

“I would like to express my gratitude towards Florida State University, and their hospitality they have given us throughout the week. They have first class facilities and first class people and everything was just wonderful.”

“I would like to congratulate North Carolina they are certainly deserving champions and I wish them well in post season play.”

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