Saturday, November 05, 2005

Boiling Springs, N.C. – Florida Atlantic completed their undefeated run through Atlantic Sun play with a 2-0 victory over Campbell in the tournament finals.

The Owls capture their first tournament title and berth in the NCAA College Cup with the win.

Tournament Most Valuable Player Alicia Tirelli helped FAU get on the board in the 17th minute after drawing a foul in the box from Campbell’s Mary Nitz. Denise Brolley coolly converted the penalty kick to push the Owls into the lead. Eleven minutes later, Tirelli tallied her second goal of the championship after redirecting a shot from Brolly past CU goalkeeper Samar Azem.

After grabbing the two-goal advantage, Florida Atlantic turned it over to their vaunted defense. The Owls extended their NCAA-leading shutout total to 16 in impressive fashion, surrendering only five shots during the entire championship. Goalkeepers Megan Coyne and Jessica Badders combined for the clean sheet.

Campbell was attempting to defend their 2004 conference tournament title and senior Susan Persson set a new school record for matches played in the loss. The Owls become the third different tournament champion in the last three seasons.

Florida Atlantic will find out their opponent in the NCAA College Cup on Monday evening when the tournament field is announced on ESPNNews between 5:00 and 5:30 pm.

2005 Tournament Most Valuable Player
Alicia Tirelli, Florida Atlantic

2005 All-Tournament
Denise Brolly, Florida Atlantic
Katri Nokso-Koivisto, Florida Atlantic
Christina Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic
Meredith White, Florida Atlantic
Samar Azem, Campbell
Allie Frakes, Campbell
Kathryn Saunders, Campbell
April Eilering, Stetson
Brittany Jones, Stetson
Kirby Hutton, Jacksonville

Post-Game Audio

Tournament MVP Alicia Tirelli of FA

on winning the championship

on her scoring knack dring the tournament

FAU Head Coach Brian Dooley

on earning the team's first berth to the NCAA College Cup

on what makes this FAU team special

on individual performances

Campbell Head Coach Matt Dillon

on taking a young team to the title match

on the team's effort

on senior Susan Persson