Cavalier Women's Soccer Falls to Duke at ACC Tournament

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Nov. 7, 2002

Box Score

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The No. 20 Virginia women’s soccer team had their four game winning streak snapped as they fell 1-0 to Duke Thursday in the first round of the ACC Tournament at Florida State University. Despite outshooting the Blue Devils 20-6 in the contest, Duke’s Lauren Simel’s goal in the first half was the difference.

The Cavaliers had the better of play in the first half, outshooting Duke 8-4 in the first 45 minutes. However, the Blue Devils got on the scoreboard first as Heidi Hollenbeck’s cross found Lauren Simel cutting to the net in the 30th minute. Simel took the pass and sent a shot into the lower right corner for a 1-0 Duke lead. Duke would take that lead into the half, in part to four saves by Blue Devil keeper Thora Helgadottir that kept the Cavaliers scoreless before the break.

The Cavaliers continued to attack early in the second half and once again Helgadottir was up to the challenge, making a crucial diving save four minutes after halftime. Virginia continued to get scoring chances as the second half went on, but could not get the ball past Helgadottir, the first All-ACC goalkeeper.

“Obviously this is a disappointment for us,” stated Virginia head coach Steve Swanson. “Give Duke credit, they needed a win to have any chance to make the NCAAs and played some inspired soccer today. We have a young team and hopefully they will learn from this.”

In addition to outshooting the Blue Devils 20-6, Virginia had a 5-3 edge in corner kicks. Anne Abernethy (Atlanta, Ga.) made one save in net for Virginia, while Helgadottir made seven to preserve the Duke win.

The Cavaliers (11-6-2) will now await for the NCAA Tournament selections to be made Monday afternoon. Virginia has appeared in the NCAA Tournament in each of the last eight seasons.

1. DU Simel (Hollenbeck) 29:10

Shots: UVa 20, DU 6Corners: UVa 5, DU 3Saves: UVa 1, DU 7Fouls: UVa 8, DU 8