Highlanders Clinch NorPac East Division, 2-1 Over Saint Louis
Bates Nets Pair of Goals in Victory

Radford, Va. -- Junior Hope Bates (Haddam, Conn.) two early goals were enough as Radford (8-9) held off a furious rally in a 2-1 victory over Saint Louis this afternoon from Dedmon Center Field. The win clinches their second NorPac East Division title in three seasons since joining the NorPac in 2001. It also gives them a school record five Conference victories this season. Saint Louis falls to 5-9 overall and 3-3 in the NorPac.

Bates opened the scoring 2:18 into the match, taking a pass from freshman Emily Jones (Williamsburg, Va.) and shooting over a sprawled out Julie Moeckel. Just 3:09 later, Bates struck again for her team leading eight goal of the season. This time she pushed home a deflection by senior Marie Petran (Norfolk, Va.) into a wide open cage for a 2-0 lead.

After a few more scoring chances by the Highlanders were unsuccessful, Saint Louis controlled much of the play the rest of the half. They were unable to score despite 10 short corners and 10 shots in the half.

The second half, was once again mostly dominated by a relentless Billiken offensive attack. Saint Louis finally found the back of the cage at the 57 minute mark. Angela Lombardo one-timed a long pass from Ellen Rapp from just left of the stroke circle to cut the lead to one. Radford was able to hold off the Billikens the rest of the way to earn the victory.

The Billikens out shot Radford, 14-13 and held a decisive edge in penalty corners, 12-3. Junior Amy Dietz (Louisville, Ky.) made three saves for the Highlanders, while Moeckel stopped six shots for SLU.

Radford closes out their regular season on Sunday when they host Davidson at 2 p.m. with a chance to finish undefeated in the NorPac for the first time in school history. Prior to the match, the Highlanders will honor their seniors, Petran, Angela Feindt (Hartwood, Va.) and Jenny Bell (Virginia Beach, Va.) as they play their final home game in a Radford uniform.

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