Spartans Advance to NAC Tournament Final

AURORA, Ill. October 31, 2006 - The Spartans of Aurora University opened up their first game of the Northern Athletics Conference Tournament as the top seed against the four seed and visiting Stars of Dominican University.

The outcome for the Spartans was no different than the previous 11 conference games this season, as AU jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead and would not look back as they went on to defeat the Stars by a score of 3-1.

Striking first for the Spartans was junior wing Laura Wagley in the 23rd minute, she scored of an assist from freshman forward Kim Knaub.

AU would take the 1-0 lead into intermission as both goalkeepers turned away four shots.

The second half opened up with an Own goal in the 53rd minute which pushed the Spartans lead to 2-0. In the 58th minute Aurora all but put the game away by going up by a score of 3-0. The third and final AU goal came off the foot of Lauren Omsberg, she was unassisted.

Dominican would not go away quietly and spoiled AU goalkeeper Jenny Jarvis’ shutout attempt in the 64th minute. Star forward Mayra Camacho scored on an unassisted goal, off a rebound on her first shot attempt that Jarvis made a stellar save.

The Spartans out-shot the Stars 20-8 for the game and Dominican goalkeeper Jacqui Lani had 11 saves on the afternoon.

AU improves to 16-3-2 overall and advances to the Championship round of the Northern Athletics Conference Tournament. The Spartans will host the winner of this evening’s contest between Edgewood College and Concordia University, WI. Game time, date and location will be determined following tonight’s match. Dominican drops to 12-5-2 on the season.