Nov. 16, 2003

Box Score

DENVER, Colo. -- The West Texas A&M University women's soccer team's amazing run came to an end Sunday, as the Lady Buffs lost to No. 1 Metro State College, 1-0, in the Midwest Regional Final.

It was No. 15 WTAMU's first-ever trip to the finals, after several trips to semi-finals, including losing to Metro State on penalty kicks last year.

The loss snaps the Lady Buffs' 12-game unbeaten streak, including eight wins in that span. WTAMU ends its season with a 15-4-2 overall record, after an incredible run that included knocking off the top two seeds in consecutive matches en route to winning the LSC Tournament title for the second time in three years.

Metro State remains unbeaten at 21-0-1 and advances to the Elite Eight, where they will face the winner of Monday's Far West Regional Championship between No. 17 California State-Dominguez Hills and No. 3 California-San Diego.

Sunday, the Roadrunners consistently applied pressure, but would be denied by the WTAMU defense, until finally breaking through in the 55th minute on an unassisted goal by Naomi Clarke, a three-time All-American.

Lady Buffs' netminder Jamie Griffis ended the match with five saves, as Metro State fired 17 shots, compared to nine for WTAMU.

It was a physical game, as there were 21 fouls called, including 14 on WTAMU. There were also three yellow cards issued, all to the Lady Buffs.

WTAMU loses five seniors, including the bulk of its stellar defense in first-team All-LSC defenders Chrissy Arndt and Ashleigh Scott, defenders Kellie Garrett and Carianne Skinner, as well as forward Daisy Lopez.

However, the Lady Buffs return first-team All-LSC goalie Griffis, and freshman sensation forward Sarit Shenar, along with second-team sophomore forward Whitney Cates.