Nov. 4, 2005

HOUSTON - Host Rice advanced to the 2005 Conference USA Women's Soccer Championship title match on Friday with a 2-0 victory over East Carolina. The third-seeded Owls will face fourth-seeded UTEP in the final set for a 1 p.m. start at the Rice Track/Soccer Stadium on Sunday.

Rice captain Erin Droeger put the Owls ahead in the match after a clearance attempt from inside the penalty box by the Pirates ricocheted off her body and into the goal. Anne Candee, who sent in the corner kick, and Kaitlin Robbins, who headed the ball towards the goal line, were each credited with assists.

The Owls added an insurance goal in the 82nd minute when Samantha Conn headed a cross from Candee past ECU goalkeeper Amber Campbell. Candee assisted on both Rice goals.

The Owls' defense allowed just two shots in the opening half and only one more after the break. Rice had five shots in each of the halves.

Rice will be the third championship host to play in the title match. The previous two hosts were unsuccessful in their attempts to win the crown.