Nov. 5, 2006

Final Stats |  Photo Gallery 

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' women's soccer team won its fourth straight American Southwest Conference title with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win over Texas-Dallas, Sunday afternoon at the HSU Soccer Complex.

UT-Dallas controlled the play in the first half and went up 1-0 on a free kick from Tiffany Knoblach 10:44 into the game. The ball was into the keeper and the wet ball slipped off her hands and trickled into the goal. HSU led in shots at halftime 6-5.

After halftime, the Cowgirls dominated the play and had 23 shots and eight corner kicks in the second half and overtime but could not find the net until Kelsey Jensen found an open night after an Amy Kuykendall shot was blocked at the 87:21 mark.

HSU had several opportunities to score in the second half and Kuykendall ended after getting a great pass from Mindi Zamora she hit it past Cat Fox to set off the celebration at the 104:16 mark.

"We have a bunch of girls that believe in themselves," said head coach Marcus Wood. "We did not ever quit believing, even after we missed so many chances. Kelsey Jensen came up and finished off a shot to tie it and Amy Kuykendall is a special, special player. We have a special group of players."

HSU's senior class of Mindi Zamora, Whitney Piendak, Becca Neal and Stefanie Patterson won four ASC titles in their career. Senior Marissa Wichkoski won titles in her three seasons with the Cowgirls.

HSU has won the title over the Comets three times in the last four years. The two teams have played a one goal or less game in 10 straight meetings, with the Cowgirls owning a 5-1-4 advantage.

--- HSU Athletics ---

Hardin-Simmons -Amy Kuykendall (MVP); Mindi Zamora; Whitney Piendak; Kelly Watson UT-Dallas - Kelli Jackson, Cat Fox, Theresa Buckles Mississippi College -Jennifer Benson, Christa Sutter Texas Lutheran - Kelli Layden, Casey Rehman