Oct. 30, 2008

Box Score

Towson, Md. - The George Mason women's soccer team closed out the 2008 season on Thursday afternoon by hitting the road and playing at Towson and the Patriots were able to close the year on a high note as they beat the Tigers, 2-1. Mason had been winless in its previous nine games but was able to take the win by dominating on the offensive end and getting a dramatic late goal to slam the door on the Tigers, spoiling Towson's Senior Day.

"I am proud of this group for finding a way to finish the season on a high note," said Mason head coach Diane Drake. "The future will be very bright as this team matures."

The game was scoreless for more than 30 minutes until Towson's Erica Marshall took the ball from end to end in the 32nd minute, scoring unassisted. For more than 30 minutes, it looked like that goal may hold up. Then, in the 65th minute, Annie Lebherz took the ball in transition and was able to find an opening, putting the ball into the net to make it 1-1. It was her third goal of the year.

As the game wound down, it appeared destined to head to overtime. That changed with 38 seconds remaining. Zania Barnum found senior Jessica Paris and one of the Colonial Athletic Association's top players in assists was able to find Theresa DeLucca. The junior scored her second goal of the year, and certainly her most memorable one as she broke the 1-1 tie to give Mason the win. It was the first game-winning goal of her career.

Mason freshman goalie Melissa Mailley earned the win in net. It was her first career victory in six starts in net. She finished with one save. Mason had a 12-2 edge in shots on goal but the teams tied 3-3 in corner kicks. Kendie Bauer had 10 saves for Towson. Marshall had both shots on goal for Towson.

The match was the final for Paris, who finishes her career among the top 10 in school history in games started with 77.