Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirls Claim Big 12 Soccer Championship
November 13, 2003 | Cowgirl Soccer
Missouri jumped on top first, scoring just nine minutes into the contest. Elyse Nikonchuck took a shot from 20 yards out that rolled into the right corner of the net. Amber Swinehart assisted on the goal.
OSU had a great opportunity of its own with 12 minutes remaining in the period. Lisa Fulton started the play with a free kick, followed by a shot from Adriane Radtke that was blocked just in front of the keeper and a putback by Jolene Schweitzer that sailed over the crossbar.
Oklahoma State came out on a mission in the second half and scored nine minutes later. Katie Lacey took a shot that was blocked, and it became a free for all in front of the net. Marcela Nova followed with a second shot that was blocked, and Jere Boykin finished off the set with a shot that snuck in the right corner of the goal.
The Cowgirls took five shots on goal in the first 20 minutes of the second half, including a bullet by Carla Dolomont from 25 yards out resulting in a leaping save by Missouri's Megan Duncan.
Missouri then regained the lead at the 69:33 mark when Karen Bauer made a penalty kick after being taken down in the box, but it would not be enough for the Tigers.
The Cowgirls tied the game in the 80th minute when Boykin and Jolene Schweitzer teamed up for an exciting play. Boykin dribbled down the center of the field, passing to Schweitzer from about 30 yards out. Schweitzer then drew Missouri's goalkeeper out of the net and passed back to Boykin, who buried the shot from eight yards.
Neither team was able to break the standstill through the first overtime and much of the second. With just over one minute remaining, Boykin was taken down outside the penalty box and the Cowgirls were awarded a free kick from 20 yards out. Nikki Wojtowicz made good on the opportunity with a beautiful shot that found the back of the net and gave the Cowgirls the 3-2 win.
Three Cowgirls were named to the all-tournament team: forward Jere Boykin, midfielder Cassie Lewis and goalkeeper Kathrin Lehmann. Additionally, Lewis was named the offensive MVP and Lehmann the defensive MVP.
"I couldn't be prouder this group of kids," stated head coach Karen Hancock. "They showed a great deal of heart, character and determination in wining this championship. I love this group. They are awesome."
As the Big 12 Tournament Champion, Oklahoma State (15-4-3) earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament beginning Friday, Nov. 14. The Cowgirls will learn their destination at 3 p.m. Monday afternoon when the selection show airs live on ESPNews.
