Women's Soccer Routs Old Dominion, 3-0

by Travis Lawson

October 24, 2012

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - The William and Mary women's soccer team defeated Old Dominion, 3-0, on Wednesday night from Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field and in the process claimed the regular season Colonial Athletic Association title. W&M concludes regular season play with an overall record of 14-5 and a league record of 8-2, while ODU finishes the year with a record of 4-14 and a CAA mark of 2-8. Tonight's win over Old Dominion cemented the Tribe as the host of the 2012 CAA Tournament, which will be held at Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly on Nov. 2 and Nov. 4.

In first half action, the Tribe dominated possession and was poised to take an early advantage courtesy of multiple scoring opportunities. Senior Cortlyn Bristol's look in the 27th minute was destined for the net, but the Chantilly, Va., native's rocket off her left foot hit the far post. Old Dominion's backline withstood until the Green and Gold opened its scoring onslaught in the 34th minute. From six yards away, sophomore Emory Camper shelved junior Ali Heck's cross from the right side, giving W&M the 1-0 lead. At halftime, the Tribe owned the advantage in shots, 13-1, and corner kicks, 5-1.

In the 63rd minute, junior Dani Rutter extended the College's lead to 2-0 after the York, Pa., native blasted home her sixth goal of the year. Bristol took the initial shot that was saved back into the field of play, while Rutter was there to punch in the rebound. The assist was Bristol's team-high 13th of the season. Rutter put the match out of reach with her second goal of the night in the 74th minute. This time, senior Mallory Schaffer placed a perfectly placed through ball to a streaking Rutter, who proceeded to crank home the Tribe's third score of the night on a breakaway.

On Wednesday night, nine W&M seniors played their last regular-season match for the Green and Gold. All nine saw action against ODU and they include; Jackie Blake-Hedges, Cortlyn Bristol, Kiersten Harpe, Erin Liberatore, Carla Manger, Mallory Schaffer, Carson Scott, Katrina Smedley and Annie Yu.

For the match, the Green and Gold outshot ODU, 28-2, and held the advantage in shots on goal, 10-0. Additionally, W&M recorded eight corner kicks compared to Old Dominion's two. The victory also improves W&M's all-time record against ODU to 21-2-1.

The Tribe will return to action in the 2012 CAA Tournament semifinals on Nov. 2, from Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field at a time to be announced, as it will play the winner of the quarterfinal match up between Hofstra and Northeastern.

For all the latest news on Tribe women's soccer and the 2012 CAA Tournament check out TribeAthletics.com or CAASports.com.