Sept. 1, 2002

Final Stats

NASHVILLE - Saint Louis University women's soccer captured a 1-0 overtime decision over Vanderbilt this afternoon at Vanderbilt Soccer Stadium. While the Commodores out-shot the Bills 17-10 Saint Louis took advantage of its opportunity on a corner in the 95th minute. On her 20th birthday, sophomore back Tressa Pecher collected the game winner after freshman Christie Cigno's header bounced off the crossbar and right to Pecher.

The Billikens, taking full advantage of the expanded substitution rules on a steamy day in Nashville, appeared sharper in the overtime period, despite a largely defensive position throughout the game. On their first opportunity to attack, the Bills forced the action and were awarded a corner. Sophomore forward Jamie Perry drilled the serve to the far post for Cigno whose header hit the under side of the crossbar and bounced back out. The fortuitous bounce put the ball at Pecher's feet less than two yards out, from where she drove it into the goal amid a sea of defenders.

Vanderbilt controlled the action for a majority of the second half, but the Billiken defense would not break. Billiken goalkeeper Meghann Burke needed just three saves in the period, but routinely averted danger by collecting crosses on a handful of corners and dead balls. Each team had one clear chance to score, only to see luck on the side of the defense.

In the 68th minute, Vanderbilt's Katharine Carroll drilled a shot the Burke leapt to get her fingertips on. The ball ricocheted off Burke's hands to the bottom of the crossbar and out of the goal. Senior sweeper Megan McNiff cleared the ball and the score remained tied. In the 72nd minute, Saint Louis got its best offensive chance of the game when Anny Lucier tracked a ball into the box, only to be met by VU keeper Esther Thompson just as she was about to strike it. The ball skidded past Thompson, but she had gotten enough of it to divert it wide of the goal.

The Billikens were active early on offense, but Vanderbilt got the offense clicking with mid-way through the first half and out-shot Saint Louis 9-4 in the opening period. The Bills' best chance to score came in the seventh minute when Burke's long punt led sophomore Tressa Pecher dangerous header off the ensuing corner kick ended up in the hands of Thompson as well.

The Billikens are back in action next weekend, hosting the Toys for Tots Women's Soccer Classic at Robert R. Hermann Stadium. The tournament begins Fri., Sept. 6, at 6 p.m. with Navy facing Air Force. The Billikens take on Navy at 8 p.m. Games Sun., Sept. 8, are set for 10 a.m. and noon.