49ers make history

By R.S. Hakes, On-Line Forty-Niner

Tuesday, September 8, 1998

Melanie Griffin made a left-footed shot in second overtime to give the Long Beach State women's soccer team a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the University of Toledo on Sunday.

The victory was the 49er's second straight win, having defeated Cal State Dominguez Hills on Friday.

Griffin's shot, which came with under four minutes remaining in the second overtime period, was a touch shot, just over the head of Rockets goalkeeper Elise Donovan. Griffin took a pass from Kelli Barrett and scored from the left side of the penalty box.

Both teams had opportunities to win the game. Long Beach had an opportunity midway through the second half but 49er midfielder Caitlin Murphy was called offside on a break-away play.

Toledo's Amanda Brown nearly scored off a corner kick in the first half, but it was swatted away by 49er goalkeeper Michaeli Ramage. Ramage had five saves to notch her second straight shutout. She has gone 230 minutes without allowing a goal.

Friday's victory over CSUDH was the team's first win in its inaugural season. The Beach led a vigorous offensive attack backed by strategic passing and 16 shots on goal in their 2-0 shutout over the Toros in front of 448 fans at George Allen Field.

Lori Harris scored her second goal of the season off an assist from Kelli Barrett in the 33rd minute to put The Beach up 1-0. Returning the favor in the second half, Harris then assisted Barrett, who made a strong move to the right, leaving behind the last Toro defender and kicked the ball into the net for her first goal of the season. The Beach led 2-0.

Coming off of a 4-1 loss vs. Loyola Marymount University, coach Julie Cochran's words of inspiration proved to have a positive effect in the 49ers' win. Cochran asked each team member to remember one thing about their previous loss. "Wear the loss as a scar on your heart," Cochran said. "It is a hurt you should never want to repeat."

Jenna Koontz provided great defensive skills for the 49ers, helping to limit the Toros to only 11 shots on goal. The Toros' opportunities to score were minimal due to the improved 49er defense. "Our defense was more in tune to what was going on today," Koontz said. Goalkeeper Ramage provided six saves to preserve the shutout.

Murphy provided an emotional spark and a shot on goal early in the second half. The shot was deflected by Williams' hand and sent off of the crossbar. "We loosened up a bit and played with a lot more intensity," Murphy said. "This win is going to give us that extra edge. We know we can win. We know we can play Division I soccer."

Long Beach State returns to action today against Azusa Pacific at George Allen Field, kicking off at 2:30 p.m.