UAB captured its first-ever Marriott Conference USA Women’s Soccer Tournament title with a 2-1 victory over top-seeded and tournament host Saint Louis on Saturday at the Billkens’ Robert R. Hermann Stadium. The victory assured the Blazers’ of their first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Blazer midfielder Jenny Rynders scored the game-winning goal in the 58th minute when she redirected a header from teammate Tara Kidwell into the side of the net. Rynders, who was named the Tournament’s Most Valuable Offensive Player, finished the tournament with four goals including a pair of game-winners. Kidwell and defender Brianna McCarty, who was named the Tournament’s Most Valuable Defensive Player, set up the game-winner for the Blazers off a free kick.

“From a fan standpoint, it had to be a fun game to watch because there were chances all over the place,” UAB Head Coach Paul Harbin said. “Our goals were not pretty, but they were those where you work hard and hope you get a good bounce here or there and we are fortunate that we did.”

UAB claimed a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute when the Billiken defense had trouble clearing a cross from Blazer midfielder Liz Bosscher. An initial shot by Kidwell was deflected towards the goal and saved on the goal line by Saint Louis defender Shannon VanMatre, but the ball never got out of the goalie box.

Rynders got to the loose ball and sent a shot that ricocheted off the near post and caromed off Saint Louis defender Sarah Sinclair into the goal. The own goal by Saint Louis stood up for the remainder of the half giving UAB a one-goal lead at the break.

The Billikens held a 7-5 advantage in shots in the opening half and came up empty in the sixth minute on their best chance to grab an early lead. Saint Louis midfielder Kelly Ferguson had an open look following a corner kick, but her attempt was blocked on the goal line by UAB defender Pam Cooney.

Saint Louis quickly tied the match just over a minute into the second half when Courtney Hulcer’s cross went off the far post directly to feet of midfielder Dee Guempel, who promptly blasted a shot past UAB goalkeeper Katie Forbis. It was Guempel’s second goal of the tournament.

The match remained tied until the Blazers retook the lead for good in the 58th minute off a free kick. UAB then withstood a late comeback attempt by the Billikens, who could not get a break late in the match on two distinct scoring opportunities. The first came when the Blazers made another team save off a shot by Ferguson and the second occurred just minutes later when Hulcer narrowly missed a goal when she sent a 30-yard shot off the cross bar.

Saint Louis held a 16-11 advantage on shots in the contest and did not allow a UAB corner kick, while attempting five themselves. Forbis was credited with three saves, while Billiken keeper Amanda Martin made eight.

All-Tournament Team
Jamie Craft, Louisville
Meghan Connelly, Marquette
Kelly Ferguson, Saint Louis
Dee Guempel, Saint Louis
Courtney Hulcer, Saint Louis
Cassi Winchell, Saint Louis
Liz Bosscher, UAB
Pam Cooney, UAB
Tara Kidwell, UAB

Most Valuable Defensive Player
Brianna McCarty, UAB

Most Valuable Offensive Player
Jenny Rynders, UAB

2004 CONFERENCE USA TOURNAMENT MATCH SCHEDULE

Wednesday, November 3
Match 1 - (2) UAB 4 vs. (7) Memphis 1
Match 2 - (3) Marquette 2 vs.(6) Charlotte 1
Match 3 - (5) Louisville 2 vs.(4) East Carolina 1
Match 4 - (1) Saint Louis 3 vs. (8) DePaul 1

Thursday, November 4 (Semifinals)
(2) UAB 2 vs. (3) Marquette 0
(1) Saint Louis 1 vs. (5) Louisville 0

Saturday, November 6 (Finals)
(2) UAB 2 vs. (1) Saint Louis 1

All times are Central.
All Games played at Robert R. Hermann Stadium, St. Louis, Mo.