Hurricanes Earn Tie Against No. 9 Duke

Alonzo, Defense Come Away With Ninth Shutout of Season

10/23/08

CORAL GABLES – The University of Miami women’s soccer team (8-6-3, 1-4-2) fought the ninth-ranked Duke Blue Devils (11-3-2, 3-2-2) to a 0-0 tie Thursday night at Cobb Stadium.



The Hurricanes battled Duke in one of the most physical games Miami has played all season. Rain fell on and off throughout the evening, making the ball skip on the slick Bermuda grass.



“Our game is very physical,” said senior Corynn Carino. “So when a team tries to be as physical as us, we step it up a notch.”



Scoring chances popped out of nowhere on occasions as the ball slipped through the defense. The best offensive possessions for both sides however, came in the overtime periods.



In the first OT, Duke attacked the Miami defense early, forcing a corner kick just 56 seconds in. Duke’s Shiela Kramer took the corner and her ball found KayAnne Gummersall at point blank range. Alonzo acted immediately on Gummersall’s shot, pushing the ball to her right, away from danger.



Miami’s opportunity came in the final minute of the second overtime. Deep in the Blue Devil’s end of the field, Julianne Rickers had a throw-in that bounced into the box. Several Hurricane players were unable to get a foot on the loose ball, allowing Duke keeper Cassidy Powers to snatch it away from danger.



The entire game was played evenly, with Duke firing 17 shots with five on goal and the Hurricanes registering 14 shots, with four on goal. Miami and Duke were whistled for 12 and 11 fouls respectively, with the Hurricanes picking up three yellow cards.



“It was back and forth the whole time, both teams played really well and had some opportunities to score,” added Carino.



Freshman Vikki Alonzo made five saves on the evening, picking up her ninth shutout of the season, extending her school record.



Carino will be joined by fellow seniors Rachael Rigamat, Jordan Ross and student assistant Sammy Sanderson in their final home game on Sunday, October 26 when they face Wake Forest on Senior Day. The game is set to start at 1 p.m. at Cobb Stadium.