Buffs edge Hawaii in opening round of tournament
The CU women’s soccer team defeated Hawaii 2-0 at Prentup Field in the first round of the 2007 NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament Friday.
After the Buffs’ early first-round departure in Big 12 tournament, CU was able to get the big win at home and will play Sunday against the University of Portland.
Earlier in the week, with nothing but a pillar of hope to sit on, Buffs head coach Bill Hempen received the call from the NCAA committee, placing CU into the NCAA tournament.
“We fumbled some opportunities away but evidently we did just enough to stay in consideration,” Hempen said.
Despite skepticism toward the Buffs after their loss, Hempen’s crew walked out their back door to find themselves in their fifth consecutive NCAA tournament.
As the game commenced, the Buffalos struck first in the 11th minute, beginning on a corner kick by junior-midfielder Amber Bettenhausen, who sent out a bullet pass to freshman Michaela DeJesus.
DeJesus then floated the ball to junior Gianna DeSaverio, who sent the ball and any cynicism of the Buffs belonging in the tournament into the back of the net.
The 1-0 lead for Colorado survived through the first half, despite being out-shot six to four.
The second half was a statement half for the Buffaloes, as they held the potent Hawaii offense to only three shots and added some insurance on a Mel Hicks goal. And with triple-zeros on the board, the Buffs find themselves moving on.
Soon after the Buffs victory cleared Pretnup field, Portland gave the Denver Pioneers a 5-0 beat-down in NCAA tournament in Boulder.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Brent New at Brent.New@thecampuspress.com.
