November 5, 2005

WAVERLY, IOWA . . . Loras College swept the Championship matches of the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) women’s and men’s soccer Tournaments on Saturday at Wartburg College. The women defeated Wartburg 4-0 for their fifth straight IIAC Tournament title. The men defeated Wartburg 4-2 for their first Tournament title. Both teams earned automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament, the fifth appearance for the women and first appearance for the men. The National field will be announced on Sunday evening.

In the women’s Championship match, Loras scored three goals in just over four minutes. Maria Prendergast got the Duhawks on the board with a goal at 25:19 on an assist from Jenni Wilberding. After an own goal at 28:09, Alex Clesen scored unassisted at 29:24. Wilberding finished the scoring with a goal at 54:09 with Prendergast getting the assist.

Torey Murray made three saves for the Duhawks as they improved 17-3 on the season. Jessica Archer made eight saves for the Knights, which fell to 14-6. Loras outshot Wartburg, 23-14.

In the men’s Championship match, Loras jumped out to a 2-0 lead with goals by Nick Roe (at 12:14) and Andy Zimmer (26:18). Wartburg closed the gap to 2-1 with a Scott Hil goal at 28:25 and then scored first in the second half to tie the game (Brent Schuchmann at 48:37). Loras finished the scoring with a Kevin Burberry goal at 58:55 and a Tony Stehn goal at 64:31.

Kevin Smerko had six saves for the Duhawks, as they improved to 16-3-1 on the season. Matt Shephard made four saves for the Knights, which fell to 17-3-0 on the season. Shots were even at 16.

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