Coker Defeats Erskine in Shoot out to Reach CVAC Finals

Belmont, NC- The cinderella Cobras earned a spot in the CVAC finals Friday afternoon defeating sixth seeded Erskine College 3-2 in the women’s collegiate soccer semifinals.  With the score tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, the teams played two 10 minute overtime periods where no scoring took place.  The Cobras went on to outscore the Fleet 4-3 in the deciding shoot out period to win 3-2.  The win improves Coker’s overall record to 9-9 while the Fleet finish the season 6-8-5.

The Cobras appeared well on their way to victory after jumping out to a commanding 2-0 lead.  Freshmen Megan Shaver, the CVAC’s leading goal scorer, found the back of the net in the 19^th minute of the first half off an assist from senior Sara Lauzze.  Aggressive defense and timely goalkeeping kept the score 1-0 until the 20^th minute of the second half when Shaver scored again.  Freshmen Tammy Abrams assisted on Shaver’s second tally of the contest.

This apparently was Erskine’s wake up call as junior Jessie Pott scored unassisted three minutes later to cut the deficit in half 2-1.  With only 2:22 remaining in regulation, Pott struck again, gathering a loose ball in the penalty area and directing it home to force overtime.

The teams headed to a shoot out period as neither squad was able to muster any offense during the overtime periods.  After both teams scored on their first three kicks, Coker’s Jacque Stewart made her biggest saves of the season, denying Erskine’s Shelley Roberts.

With the finals only a goal away, senior Jodi Rummel clutched up and beat Erskine keeper Shantika Britt short side to send the cinderella Cobras on to the finals.

Coker will face top seeded Belmont Abbey College in the CVAC championship tomorrow, Saturday, November 8^th.  Action is set to begin at 1:30 P.M.