Friday, November 04, 2005

Boiling Springs, N.C. – Samar Azem turned away two shots in the penalty kick shootout to help Campbell advance to the conference finals 4-3 in pk’s over Stetson.

The two teams battled to a scoreless draw through a pair of overtimes before reaching the shootout. The loss snapped a five-match winning streak for Stetson while Campbell will get an opportunity to defend their 2004 title.

The first half featured few scoring chances as the teams combined for just four shots on goal. Each side had a chance in the match’s early minutes to build a quick lead. In the sixth minute, Stetson’s Jennifer Hays broke free in the penalty box momentarily before All-Atlantic Sun defender Mary Nitz recovered to stuff the shot attempt. Five minutes later, Campbell had their opportunity as Danielle Mandela saw Stetson goalkeeper April Eilering poke away the ball inside the box.

Campbell (8-8-2) had the first chance of the second half as all-conference selection Susan Persson blasted a shot that was blocked by Stetson defender Yvonne Davis and Mandela’s follow-up header missed just wide. The Hatters (9-11-1) bombarded the Campbell goal in the final 12 minutes of the match but Samar Azem smothered one opportunity and saw another glance off the crossbar. The Camels nearly had the game-winner in the 85th minute, but Eilering’s diving stop on Persson’s header helped send the match into overtime.

Stetson looked to have the match sealed early in the second overtime on Sarah Stock’s header off a free kick, but Azem just touched it over the crossbar to extend the match and force a penalty kick shootout.

Tonight’s match was only the second semifinal to reach the penalty kick shootout phase. Campbell advances to their second straight championship match and sets up the third consecutive finals featuring the top-two seeds.

The top-seed Florida Atlantic will face Campbell to determine a berth in the NCAA College Cup on Saturday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm at Varsity Field.