Nov. 6, 2005

Final Stats

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' women's soccer team won its third straight American Southwest Conference Championship with a 1-0 win over UT-Dallas, Sunday afternoon at the Hardin-Simmons soccer complex.

Natalie Longhofer scored the game winner with a header at 3:14 remaining in the second overtime when Regan Cappella found her with a perfect corner kick.

"Regan played the perfect ball and I was just able to get a head on it and found the net," said Longohfer. "I am so excited to win the tournament my senior year on our home field."

Longhofer is the only Hardin-Simmons senior that has played all four seasons for the Cowgirls.

It was the second straight year the two team's have played overtime in the conference finals. Last season the game went to penalty kicks, with the Cowgirls winning. It appeared this game was going to penalty kicks again, but the Cowgirls received a corner and made it count.

UT-Dallas came out strong and had a 9-5 shot advantage, but the Cowgirls controlled the play most of the second half and both overtimes. The Cowgirls ended the game outshooting the Comets 16-15.

April Johnson was spectacular in goal with seven saves, It was HSU's eighth straight shut out and their 17th straight win.

HSU improved to 19-1 and will go the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year and the fifth time in seven years.