Nov. 8, 2002

Dayton, Ohio - The University of Rhode Island women's soccer team posted a 1-0 victory against George Washington in the semi-finals of the Atlantic 10 Championship at Baujan Field in Dayton, Ohio. The win was the first-ever for the Rams in the Atlantic 10 tournament. The win improved the teams record 15-4-1 for the season, tying the mark for the best record in school history.

"It wasn't the prettiest game, the girls had to overcome a lot," said Rhode Island head coach Geoff Bennett. "There's the pressure of the No. 1 seed but I'm very proud of the way the team responded.

"I'm happy with the win and look forward to the game Sunday," Bennett added.

The two teams battled throughout the first half until the 36th minute. Rhode Island senior Rebecca Sorensen played a corner kick into the box where freshman Megan Kasparek put a shot onto net, the ball was deflected out to sophomore Claire Landon who put a shot into the lower left corner of the goal at the 35:40 mark.

The Rams took a 1-0 lead into halftime and held on to the victory behind some key defensive stops by the Rhode Island defense and goalkeeper, senior Jamie Epperlein.

Epperlein made 10 saves in the win for Rhode Island while George Washington keeper Kelly Paolucci made four saves in the setback for the Colonials.

Rhode Island will return to action on Sunday, Nov. 10th when they face the winner of the Dayton/Richmond semifinal. Kickoff for the game will be at 1:00 p.m.

Game Summary
URI (15-4-1)	1  0  -  1
GWU (10-9-1)	0  0  -  0

URI	35:40	Claire Landon (Rebecca Sorensen, Megan Kasparek)

Shots: 	URI - 9; GWU - 14
Saves:	URI - Jamie Epperlein, 10; GWU - Kelly Paolucci, 4