Sunday, October 16, 2005

Valparaiso ran its record to a perfect 6-0 at home this season, setting a new school record for victories at Eastgate Field, as the Crusaders defeated Youngstown State 3-1 on Sunday afternoon.

The Crusaders have now won two straight overall and four of their last five contests.

Kendall Brown (Lake Zurich, Ill./Carmel H.S.) put the Crusaders in front less than eight minutes into the match. The freshman took a cross from Brittany Derksen (Chugiak, Alaska/Chugiak H.S.) in the middle of the box and beat goalkeeper Caitlin Bestard. Emily King (Colona, Ill./United Township H.S.) earned the other assist, playing the ball down to Derksen.

Brown added her second tally of the day and tenth of the season at the 19:33 mark, scoring unassisted with her blast from 20 yards out at the top of the box which found the lower left corner of the goal. With ten goals, Brown is now tied for second on Valpo's single season scoring list.

Valpo added a third goal midway through the second half. After a Penguin hand ball in the penalty area, King converted the penalty kick at the 64:16 mark for her fifth marker of the season and 15th of her career.

Youngstown State (1-15) scored with 4:01 remaining in the match as Jenna Fink found the corner of the goal on a restart from 20 yards out.

The Crusaders outshot Youngstown State 16-9 for the match and held a 7-4 advantage on frame. Valpo also held a 9-0 advantage in corner kick opportunities. Erin Murray (Pleasanton, Calif./Amador Valley H.S.) made three saves in the first 69 minutes of action while Danielle Guerra (Chesterton, Ind./Chesterton H.S.) finished up in goal for the Brown and Gold. Bestard made four stops for the Penguins.

Valparaiso (9-5-1, 4-0 Mid-Con) will look to clinch its first Mid-Continent Conference title on Friday morning when the Brown and Gold entertain Oakland. Kickoff is set for 11:30 a.m., with the match being broadcast by WVUR (95.1-FM) and online at www.valpo.edu/athletics.