November 3, 2007
Methodist Wins USA South Tournament Championship
Senior Chrystal Bradley scores game-winning goal

FAYETTEVILLE, NC- It was a hard fought battle, the Monarchs sought revenge for a loss in the finals last year with a 1-0 win over Christopher Newport. The win gives Methodist an automatic bid to the 2007 NCAA Division III Tournament. Methodist improves to 17-4 overall this season while Christopher Newport finishes at 14-7.

The teams played to a scoreless first half with Methodist holding a narrow 7-6 shot advantage. The second half looked like Christopher Newport had the edge early, but freshman Hevyn Diers got in past the Captains' defense with a shot. Christopher Newport goalkeeper Dineen Sampson just tipped the shot but it bounced off the crossbar and back into the mix. Methodist senior Chrystal Bradley collected the ball and drove a shot to the lower left post to give Methodist a 1-0 lead with just over 11 minutes to play.

Christopher Newport did not let up and maintained their pressure in the Methodist half of the field, but the Monarchs' defense held on for the shutout.

Methodist's freshman goalkeeper Kasey Nichols made six saves in the win with Sampson making nine stops.

Diers and Nichols were named All-Tournament selections for Methodist along with freshman Kelly Orpin, senior Brenda Chambers and sophomore Whitney Roberson. Bradley received Most Valuable Player honors. The NCAA Division III Tournament seedings should be posted on Monday to determine Methodist's next game.

For the complete All-Tournament team, tournament photos and other tournament information visit the website.

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