Nov. 7, 2010
Box Score
BALTIMORE, MD. - For the first time in program history, Siena Women's Soccer is MAAC Champions. Senior captain Tabitha Tice came up with the golden goal just over two minutes into overtime as the Saints' defeated top seed Canisius 1-0 at Ridley Athletic Complex. The Saints now advance to the NCAA Women's College Cup for the first time ever.
"I don't think it's sunk in yet," said an elated head coach Steve Karbowski. "It's a great feeling and it's nice now to sit back and reflect on it a bit."
With both Siena (17-3) and Canisius (14-7) taking aim at their program's first championship, both teams played a wide open game that featured numerous chances. But neither team could finish early on and keepers Elizabeth Barna of the Saints and Leslie Ivinac of the Griffs kept the score sheet clean.
Through regulation, Siena out-shot the Griffs 21-10 but both teams had their opportunities, all of which had gone by the wayside.
In overtime, both teams jockeyed for the golden goal early. The Saints had entered the period 3-1 in overtime this season, their only loss coming at the hands of Canisius which ended Siena's perfect season at 12-0. Canisius meanwhile had not lost in overtime since Jim Wendling took over as head coach three years ago, posting an 8-0-6 overall record.
Something had to give and in what has been a magical season for the Saints, this year's version of the Green and Gold once again would come through with the storybook ending that seemed imminent all season long.
Caitlin Cahalan, who assisted on three of the Saints' goals in the MAAC Tournament, would set up Tice for the biggest goal in program history. On a throw in from the right side, Cahalan found Tice over the top. The senior captain dribbled into the box and cut to the right past her defender, firing a shot inside the far post that sent the Siena portion of the crowd into bedlam.
"I saw a gap and Cait did a good job to get the ball in to me," said Tice. "At that point I turned, was able to make a cut and finished."
Tice, who was named the MAAC Tournament MVP, has been a key component to the Saints' success all year long and has had a pension for coming up the biggest in all the key moments. She scored the game-winners in each of the Saints' final two regular season matches which helped clinch the team a spot in the MAAC Tournament and added the game-winning goal in Friday's semifinal victory over Marist before coming up with the biggest goal of her life.
"It feels amazing," added Tice. "It's been the same group of girls since my sophomore year working towards this. It was our goal from the beginning and we never stopped working towards that."
"She's a special player," said Karbowski of Tice. "She steps up and makes plays. She's had an unbelievable season and was definitely worthy of being MVP."
Joining Tice on the All-Tournament Team from the Saints were Cara Riley, Maren Serafine and Barna. Barna had a sensational game in goal, stopping both shots she faced to earn the shutout. Canisius' Ivinac, also had a tremendous game in a losing effort. She too was named to the All-Tournament Team following her seven save performance.
Siena now advances to the NCAA Women's College Cup which gets underway next weekend. The Saints will find out when and where they play with the airing of the NCAA Selection Show on ESPNU at 4:30 p.m. Monday.
