Aurora University Spartans Capture NAC Tournament Title

AURORA, Ill. November 4, 2006 - The Aurora University women’s soccer team captured the Northern Athletics Conference tournament championship on Friday afternoon on AU Field, after defeating Concordia University, WI 4-1. The win continues a stellar season for the Spartans, who won the regular season NAC title with an undefeated, 9-0, record and have won nine straight contests.

The Spartans struck twice early in the first half. The first goal came as junior Allison Bailey found the back of the net off an assist from freshman Nikki Counsell. Less than 30 seconds later, freshman Kim Knaub added a goal of her own to put AU up 2-0, she was assisted by senior Erin Kwiatkowski.

Aurora would take the 2-0 lead in intermission and just ovr six minutes into the second session, Concordia struck back, cutting the lead to one. Nicole Sabel scored her goal after Spartan goalkeeper Jenny Jarvis misplayed a ball and Sabel took advantage.

Aurora then pulled away and wouldn't look back on their way to sweeping the NAC regular season and tournament titles. Bailey added her second goal of the game with 30 minutes left to play. Her goal came off an assist from freshman Amanda Hertz. Freshmen Jessica Novickas and Lauren Omsberg hooked up to seal the AU victory. Omsberg made a nice pass to Novickas who blasted a shot past Concordia goalkeeper Daria Klotz. That goal finished up the Spartan scoring for the afternoon.

The Novickas goal was AU's 84th on the season in NAC play, while the Spartan defense and Jarvis allowed just six goals.

Aurora improves to 17-3-2 on the season and now awaits word on a potential NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championships bid.