University of St. Thomas Athletics
Gustavus Adolphus
Women's Soccer wins 3-1, are MIAC champs alone
11/1/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
The St. Thomas women's soccer scored two second-half goals and won 3-1 over Gustavus Saturday on UST's South Campus field to claim its first outright MIAC team championships since 1987. The Tommies also shared conference championships in 2001 and 2002.
The 13th-ranked Toms (14-0-4 overall, 9-0-2 MIAC), who ran their unbeaten streak to 19 games, allowed 
a goal in the fifth minute but kept their poise and finished with three unanswered goals. UST had an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks and a 6-2 edge in shots on goal.
Coach Sheila McGill's Tommies host a Wednesday playoff game at 1:30 p.m. against fourth-seed Concordia-Moorhead, which finished in a three-way tie for third place.
The coach said it was fitting that her three seniors -- Stephanie Paasch, Courtney Walior and Abie Krause -- played so well on Senior Day.
"Our seniors have been so important to our success this season, and their outstanding play today was proof of how valuable they have been," McGill said. "Abie has given 
everything she has to the team, playing any position we ask of her with energy and enthusiasm. She is a model team player that all the younger players on the team look up to. Walior and Paasch have been the foundation of this team. They lead, and everyone follows. For them to connect for a goal on their Senior Day is a great reward for all the work they have put into this program over the past four years."
Assistant coach Dan Weisz praised the seniors and noted the contrutions of two freshmen. "It took great contributions from everyone today," he explained. "Our seniors -- Abie, Court, and Paash -- led the team back from a goal down with their unshakable confidence in the team. We had breakout games from freshmen Caliee Osterman, with two assists, and Allie Emch. For me, Emch was the player of the game. Her work rate and creativity in the middle of the field made us incredibly dangerous on the attack. She was the biggest difference maker in the attack, and had a huge role in winning the game today."
In 11 MIAC games, the Tommies outscored opponents 22-3, including a decisive 16-1 advantage in the second half and overtime. They remain one of six unbeaten Division III teams.
Junior Erin Sprangers scored a goal and an assist for the Toms and now has eight goals and five assists in 
UST's recent 9-0-1 run.
Junior Kirsten Moran scored the go-ahead goal in the 67th minute, and Paasch added an insurance goal in the 76th minute. Amanda Doimeier was in goal for all 90 minutes and had one save. Ostermann had two assists and Walior and Tess Hanson added assists.
The Tommies fell behind early when Gustavus scored on a quick counter attack in the fifth minute. The Tommies made the necessary adjustments to take control of the game. Krause tucked in the center of midfield, and immediately changed the dynamics of the game., accoring to Weisz. "Krause's high work rate and ability to quickly move the ball sparked the Tommies offense to life, and we tied the score in the 43rd minute. Krause switched the ball to freshman outside back, Tess Hanson, who attacked up the wing, picking out freshman attacker Osterman on the endline, who slotted a ball to the near post for junior forward Sprangers to finish at the near post."
The second half was all Tommies, as they outshot the Gusties 6-1. With Emch running the show, the Tommies eventually took the lead, in the 67th minute, when Osterman and Sprangers combined to set up Moran to fire home from 15 yards out. The Tommies were not content to sit on a 2-1 lead and pressed for a third goal, which came in the 76th minute, courtesy of the two senior captains Walior and Paasch. Walior delivered a dangerous free kick from just inside the Gustavus half to the far post, where Paasch rose high above the defenders to power home a header for a 3-1 lead.
The Tommies comfortably saw out the game, and rushed the field at the final whistle to celebrate their MIAC title and an undefeated regular season.
PHOTOS: Top to bottom, Stephanie Paasch, Abiue Krause, Courtney Walior
