Oct. 17, 2008

Final Stats

TULSA, Okla. - The UAB women's soccer team battled to a double overtime, 1-1 tie with the Tulsa Golden Hurricane Friday evening at the Hurricane Soccer Stadium.

The Blazers' overall record moves to 5-9-1, including a 3-3-1 mark in Conference USA. Tulsa is now 6-7-3 on the year and 1-4-2 in league play.

UAB got on the board first when junior forward Danya Barsalona knocked in her fourth goal of the season in the 10th minute, with an assist from sophomore midfielder Marie Yempuku, to put the Blazers up 1-0.

The score remained that way until the 77th minute when Stephanie Johnson found the back of the net for the Golden Hurricane, with the assist credited to Jennifer Kacergis, to tie the game at 1-1.

The two squads competed the rest of the game but neither was able to score again, as the game ended in a 1-1 tie at the conclusion of the second overtime period.

"I thought we played fairly well today," said UAB head coach Paul Harbin. "We dominated in most aspects of the game, but we didn't finish some good chances that we had. Sometimes when you score early, there is a tendency to become complacent at times.

"I give a lot of credit to Tulsa. I was impressed the way that they played. They did everything they could to stay in the game and they ended up getting that late goal to tie the game. Kyle Cussen does a great job coaching Tulsa and they played with heart and consistency the whole game."

UAB led Tulsa in total shots, 14-8, including holding a 9-3 advantage in shots on goal.

Barsalona paced the Blazers with four shots on the night, including two shots on goal. Freshman forward Tiffini Turpin added two shots, both on goal.

"It was good to get that goal tonight," said Barsalona. "I've been struggling a little bit scoring lately. I think this will really help my confidence going on into Sunday and the rest of the season."

Tulsa was led by Kelley Ricker with two shots, while six other players contributed one shot each for the Golden Hurricane.

Sophomore Kate Blankenship was in goal for the Blazers, recording two saves and allowing one goal against Tulsa. Kendall Harclerode protected the net for Tulsa, giving up one goal and nabbing eight saves.

The Blazers will return to the field on Sunday when they play the SMU Mustangs in Dallas, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT at Wescott Field.

"We need to improve on tonight's game to get ready for SMU on Sunday," said senior midfielder Caitlin Marple. "We didn't play bad tonight, but we didn't play our best either. We need to focus more on the little details that help us get that win."