Oct. 19, 2003

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Marian Wagner scored the golden goal in the 108th minute off Kim Matthew's second assists of the match as Samford defeated Tennessee Tech 2-1 at Bulldog Field Sunday afternoon. The win combined with a tie between Eastern Illinois and Tennessee-Martin puts Samford into first place in the Ohio Valley Conference with two matches left to play.

The game-winner was set up as Matthews slipped past a Tennessee Tech defender setting up a two-on-one with Tech goal keeper Lisa Wourms. Matthews passed off to Wagner whose right footed shot went to the left post; Wourms got her hands to the ball but could not keep it out of the goal as the Samford bench began to celebrate. The goal was Wagner's fourth of the season and third game winner of the year. It was the seventh game-winner of her career tying Mitzi Mahan's school record set from 1997-2000.

"Adversity builds character," said Samford head coach Todd Yelton. "We had a great deal of adversity today and still come out with a win. I think that speaks volumes for this team. One of our goals at the begging of the season was to win the regular season and if we can keep getting wins that is still possible."

The Bulldogs (9-3-3, 5-1 OVC) got on the board in the first half in the 38th minute as Matthews found Lisa Robishaw inside the box. Robishaw received the pass with her back to the goal but was able to turn and let loose a shot to the far post that beat Wourms high. It was Robishaw's second goal in the last two matches and was also her second of the year. Matthews' two assists give her four for the season.

Tennessee Tech (8-9-0, 2-4 OVC) tied the match in the 57th minute. Erin McGuire took a free kick from 40 yards out that she sent into the box. Samford goal keeper Crystal Royall came out and got a hand on the ball but could not gain possession. The ball went free and Joni Simmons ran on the loose ball and did not miss her opportunity.

Samford out-shot the Golden Eagles 16-6 in the match and controlled both overtime periods out-shooting TTU 6-1 in the extra sessions. Wourms made eight saves in the match with her best on coming in the coming in the 29th minute off a header from Kelly Christoffer that she made a diving save on. Royall earned her ninth win of the season making three saves.

Overtime has been good to Samford this season. The Bulldogs are now 4-0-3 in seven overtime matches and 3-0 in overtime matches in conference play.

The Bulldogs will return to action on Friday as it travels to its final OVC road match of the season at Morehead State. Kickoff will be at 5 p.m. CT.