BYU's Women's Soccer Team Advances at MWC Championships

SAN DIEGO -- All-American Maren Hendershot's winning goal and a new school record in shots on goal with 42 was all BYU women's soccer team needed to capture the 1-0 victory over Wyoming in the quarterfinals of this year's MWC Women's Soccer Championships Wednesday.

The Cougars now advance to the semifinals and another meeting with in-state rival Utah. The Utes defeated New Mexico 4-2 in other quarterfinal action from San Diego's ARCO Olympic Training Center.

Hendershot's unassisted game winner came in the 71st minute in the game on a direct free kick from 25 yards out, after a Wyoming foul. The Cougars outshot the Cowgirls 42-4, setting a new BYU record. In the first half, Wyoming was only able to get one shot on goal.

"I was pleased with the way we created a lot of opportunities to score, they just weren't falling in for us," said head coach Jennifer Rockwood. "The girls fought through it and didn't lose their composure."

In Thursday's first semifinal game, the Cougars will once again meet Utah in an 11 a.m. matchup. The later game will pit hosts and top seed San Diego State against Air Force, who advanced by defeating UNLV.

Coach Rockwood is pleased to get another chance to play Utah.

"We're excited to play them again. They always play us tough and it should be a great game," she said.

At the beginning today's quarterfinals, the Mountain West Conference announced its All-Conference teams, with five BYU players making the list. Senior Maren Hendershot led the Cougar contingency along with teammates Sara Reading and Staci Reynolds being named to the MWC First Team. Hendershot was also named this year's Player of the Year. On the All-Conference Second Team were BYU players Kim Lowe and sophomore goalkeeper Jennifer Waldron.

The winners of Thursday's two semifinal games will meet for the championship at 12 p.m. on Saturday.

Date: Nov 3, 1999
Weather: Sunny, warm, breezy
Goals by Period       1  2  Tot
-------------------------------
Wyoming.............  0  0 -  0
BYU.................  0  1 -  1
 
SCORING SUMMARY:
1.  71:34 BY HENDERSHOT, Maren (14) (unassisted) - Direct free kick from 25 yards
 
Shots: Wyoming 4, BYU 42
Saves: Wyoming 17 (KUYPER, Sarah 17), BYU 2 (WALDRON, Jennifer 2)