A&M Soccer claims Eastern Division title with 2-0 win over Mississippi Valley

Box Score

Normal- The Alabama A&M women's soccer team defeated Mississippi Valley State 2-0, on a windy Sunday afternoon on "The Hill". The win gives the Lady Bulldogs the Southwestern Athletic Conference Eastern Division title for the 2012 season.

It was senior day for the Lady Bulldogs as they played for a possible first place finish in the SWAC’s Eastern Division. The final regular season game held much importance to the Maroon & White, and they came up big. A&M defeated a previously undefeated Devilettes team that was 2-0-1 in the division.

MVSU controlled play in the first half as they outshot the Lady Bulldogs six - one. A&M took two corner kicks, and came up with two saves in the half. The first 45 ended in a scoreless tie, which gave the Lady Bulldogs time to take a break an honor their own.

During half-time, the Maroon & White celebrated the culmination of eight players’ athletic careers. Team members, Linda Aboagye, Nycole Henderson, Carmen Moon, Diana Amafoa, Adrienne Wiggins, Edna Mensah, Hernedez Haughton, and Zenabu Musa were all honored for their contributions to the women’s soccer program. Parents and friends of the seniors took part in the celebration where each was given recognition and gifts from their teammates.

As the second half got under way, the Lady Bulldogs stepped up their play. Knowing they needed a win to secure the top spot, A&M revved up the offense. With increased aggression, the Maroon & White attacked the Mississippi Valley goal. The Lady Bulldogs were able to break the tie when senior defender, Edna Mensah slammed a ball past the MVSU goalie and into the back of the net. The Mensah goal in the 53^rd minute was her first of the year.

After the first goal of the game, both teams continued their aggressive attack. Mississippi Valley fired six, second half shots and took two corner kicks. Valley’s best chance for a goal came in the 80^th minute on a shot by Bianca Vigliante. Second half keeper Marissa Oehler flew through the air making a great save to deny Vigliante, keeping the Lady Bulldogs on top. Mensah then closed scoring in the 86^th minute scoring a goal from beyond the half way line with help from a fortuitous bounce. Mensah completed a “brace” scoring both goals on the day.

“It was a great win for the Lady Bulldogs as they won their final regular season game, sending the seniors off on a high note,” said head coach Frank Davies.

The victory gives the Lady Bulldogs the SWAC Eastern Division Championship. That hasn’t happen since the 2007 season when they won the division and conference crown.
The Maroon & White will head into the SWAC tournament as the number one team in the East. A&M will play the fourth place team in the West to open the SWAC soccer post-season tournament.

The 2012 SWAC soccer tournament will kick off at 10:30 a.m. on November 1^st, in Alexandria, LA. For more information go to www.SWAC.org.

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