Nov. 2, 2000

Box Score

ST. LOUIS - Third-seeded Cincinnati upset No. 2 seed Saint Louis 1-0 tonight in overtime in a Conference USA women's tournament semifinal game before 382 fans at Robert R. Hermann Stadium. The Bearcats' Kim Jedlo scored in the 107th minute on Cincinnati's first shot in overtime to end the suspense.

In a first half that was played close to the vest, Saint Louis out-shot the Bearcats 4-2, but neither team truly created any quality scoring chances. Billiken sophomore forward Jenny Kehl (Fort Collins, Colo./Fort Collins) twice created opportunities in the UC penalty area, but neither resulted in a shot. Cincinnati's best opportunity came when SLU sophomore keeper Meghann Burke (St. Louis, Mo./Mehlville) mishandled a cross, which briefly squirted free, causing a gasp from the Billiken faithful.

Cincinnati had the best scoring chances in the second half, although Kehl provided the Billikens with their best opportunity in the 55th minute. Kehl drilled a 20-yarder that 'Cats keeper Christy Hoffmann leaped to save. UC's Tiffany Ogden's 25-yard free kick two minutes later was easily handled by Burke. Bearcat forward Ann Thomas bid for a sensational goal in the 64th minute with a five-yard volley off Kim Jedlow's cross, but the shot sailed improbably wide. In the 83rd minute, UC's Leah Polaski sent a 35-yard floater that Burke grabbed just under the cross bar.

Saint Louis demonstrated some urgency in the first overtime session as Billiken central midfielders Shannon Myers (Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota West) and Kathleen Schager (Chicago, Ill./Palatine) each were dangerous. Myers sent drives from 24 and 30 yards that Hoffmann routinely turned away, while Schager unsuccessfully tested Hoffmann from 16 and 18 yards. The Billikens out-shot the Bearcats 4-0 in the first overtime session.

Jedlo made no mistake on Cincinnati's only scoring chance in OT. After a well-played through ball from Amy Simonson, Jedlo split the Billiken defense and sent a curving drive to the far post beyond Burke's grasp.

Saint Louis out-shot Cincinnati 9-6 for the match as Hoffman made five saves. Burke made two stops.

The Billikens are 13-5-3, while Cincinnati is 16-5-0. The Bearcats face No. 1 seed Marquette in the championship match on Sat., Nov. 4, for a 3 p.m. kickoff. The 17th-ranked Golden Eagles advanced by dispatching Charlotte 4-1 in the first game tonight.

CINCINNATI 1 SAINT LOUIS 0 2OT

UC 106:55 Kim Jedlow 12 yards from Amy Simonson

Shots: SLU-9, UC-6
Corners: SLU-3, UC-0
Saves: SLU-2 (Burke), UC-5 (Hoffmann)
Fouls: SLU-18, UC-12
Att: 382