Nov. 3, 2001

Orlando, FL - The Marist College Women's soccer team defeated Manhattan 2-1 today in the semi-finals of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament at the Wide World of Disney Sports Complex in Orlando, FL. The Red Foxes advance to the championship game tomorrow at 12:00 PM and will face the winner of today's Rider and Loyola match.

The Red Foxes took an early 1-0 lead when sophomore Laura Fil (Wappingers Falls, NY) found the net in the 11th minute off assists by junior Jenny Shanks (Sound Beach, NY) and senior Kasey Sibrinsz (Manchester, Conn.). Sophomore Tara Savidge (New Hyde Park, NY) then added to the lead in the first half when she scored off a pass from junior Kelly Smith (Waldwick, NJ) in the 27th minute.

The Jaspers who out shot the Red Foxes 22-14 and held a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks received a goal from Tina Beatty at 81:12 to provide the final margin.

MAAC goalkeeper of the year, junior Mellanie Nai (Suffield, Conn.) made ten saves on the day for Marist, while her counterpart Jeanne Marie Gilbert stopped four shots for Manhattan.

The winner of the MAAC tournament championship game being played in Orlando, FL at 12:00 PM tomorrow will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.