Soccer Claims 2010 MWC Championship Title

SAN DIEGO -- In their last opportunity to claim a Mountain West Conference title and with a 1-0 shutout victory, the No. 18 BYU women’s soccer team defeated the top-seeded New Mexico Lobos to claim the 2010 MWC championship title.

McKinzie Olson, Jessica Ringwood, Lindsi Lisonbee and Carlee Payne were all named to the 2010 MWC All-Tournament Team for BYU with Ringwood receiving the MWC All-Tournament MVP award.

“It’s never easy, especially in championship games where everyone comes out and gives their best, but I’m very happy with how the girls played today,” said BYU head coach Jennifer Rockwood. “The girls put up a really great defensive and offensive effort, especially in the midfield with Jessica [Ringwood] getting that goal. She’s got a great touch on the ball.”

After playing to a 0-0 draw in the first half, BYU midfielder Jessica Ringwood scored the game-winning goal for the Cougars in the 62nd minute off an assist from Carlee Payne.

Forward Jennie Marshall took a shot that deflected back to Payne who passed it over to Ringwood for the right-footed shot through the Lobo goalkeeper’s fingers. The goal was Ringwood’s sixth of the season.

The Cougars had taken seven shots to New Mexico’s four, but were unable to find the back of the net in the first 45.

“At halftime we knew we’d been in this situation before so we just told the girls to stay positive,” Rockwood said. “We told them we just needed someone to step up and take the chance.”

Finishing the game with 12 shots to New Mexico’s 10, the Cougars kept the possession for the majority of the game and had numerous players with many shots on goal.

Ringwood and Auna Janis-Doria both recorded a game-high three shots in the victory. BYU took five corner kicks to the Lobos’ one.

The win tallied the ninth season shutout victory for BYU goalkeeper McKinzie Olson, who also recorded four saves in 90 minutes for the Cougars.

“It’s always a tough battle in front of the net with two talented teams but McKinzie is solid and extremely consistent for us,” Rockwood said. “She’s the cornerstone to our defense.”

With the win, the Cougars receive an automatic bid into the 2010 NCAA Women’s College Cup. The 2010 bracket will be announced in the NCAA selection show on Monday at 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

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