Nov. 3, 2006
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Purdue lost its second-round Big Tournament match to Illinois 1-0 Friday night at Penn State's Jeffrey Field.
The loss dropped the Boilermakers' record to 14-5-3 while Illinois improved to 14-6-0. Both teams are expected to be two of 64 teams in the NCAA Tournament that begins next Friday. The NCAA selection show is scheduled to air on ESPNews Monday from 3 - 4 p.m. EST.
Purdue's performance against Illinois was much improved from their last meeting with the Illinois two weeks ago. The offense launched 16 shots and only allowed eight as Lauren Mason was forced to make two saves - both in the second half.
Shauna Stapleton led the offense with four shots, putting two on goal, and was selected as Purdue's representative to the Big Ten All-Tournament team.
"It came down to the fact that we didn't finish," said head coach Rob Klatte. "We had the right people in the right positions to score but that's just the nature of the game.
"I think we played well. I'm sad with the result but not our style of play. If we play like this during the tournament next week, we might win a few games."
Illinois cracked the scoreboard in the fourth minute. Courtney Bell took the ball down to the endline and slipped it over to Ella Masar, who then sent the ball through the six to a wide-open Eva Strickland.
Strickland's goal was her fourth of the season.
Purdue outshot Illinois in the first half 10-5, placing four of those attempts on goal.
The Boilermakers experienced some moments of bad luck as well. Loredana Riverso was stuffed by Lindsey Carstens on the corner of the 18, then missed a shot high from inside the six. Jill Sarbaugh and Kalie Grambeau's attempts also sailed inches high.
Carstens finished the match with eight saves.