November 7, 2009

DUBUQUE, IOWA . . . The University of Dubuque captured its first Iowa Conference Women's Soccer Tournament title with a 1-0 victory over No. 5 seed Simpson College Saturday.

Dubuque junior Sara Fassbinder netted the game's only goal in the 35th minute, finding the back of the net off a free kick by Daniella Gonzalez. Fassbinder was credited with a team-high four shots. Spartan goalkeeper Natalie Baker was credited with three saves.

The Storm, who held a slim 10-9 advantage in shots, were led by Mollie McMahon, Susan Leslie, and Nicole Dillenburg, who where each credited with two shots. Simpson goalkeeper Megan Peterson notched two saves in defeat.

The men’s portion of the championship doubleheader went to third-seeded Wartburg for the second consecutive year. The Knights, upping their record to 15-4-1, received a goal from junior defender/midfielder Luke Prater with 1:36 to play in the second overtime to conclude a tightly-contested final.

Loras (18-2-1) scored first as Miguel Bonilla scored off a Nate Minkel assist in the 50th minute. Wartburg got the equalizer in the 79th minute as Kyle McKenna found the back of the net with a shot past Duhawk goalkeeper Adam Kelsch. Kelsch ended the match with nine saves.

Wartburg goalkeeper Trent Michael repelled four Duhawk shots on goal to pick up the win.

NOTES: Dubuque’s women will be making their first NCAA Division III national appearance, equaling the number of conference tournament titles they have won. Wartburg’s men earned their seventh consecutive bid to the NCAA Division III national championships by winning their fifth league tournament title. Both NCAA tournament fields will be released Monday morning, November 9 at http://www.ncaa.com.

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