FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

Sept. 30, 2009 -- Battling to a stalemate through the game's first 100 minutes, the North Central College women's soccer team suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Elmhurst College in double overtime, Wednesday afternoon, in the team's College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin opener at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.

The Bluejays drew first blood, netting the game's first goal in the 33rd minute after a Courtney Constantino pass found the foot of Heather De Moss. Elmhurst would head into the half with the 1-0 advantage after outshooting the home side 12-4.

North Central would not back down, knotting the game up at one apiece in the 76th minute with Amy Frazzini scoring off a Cardinal corner kick. The two teams would remain deadlocked after 90 minutes, sending the game into overtime. After a scoreless first overtime frame, the visiting Bluejays recorded the game-winner just over one minute into the second extra session after Stephanie Thomson drove home a shot from 30 yards out.

Elise Manzie recorded a season-high 14 saves on the afternoon, logging all 102 minutes in goal while her counterpart Jessica Eberle stopped three of the four shots she faced.

The game was the Cardinals second straight overtime heartbreaker as the team has yet to be defeated in regulation this season.

The loss drops North Central to 6-3 overall and 0-1 in CCIW action while Elmhurst improves to 6-4 and 2-1 in conference play. The Cardinals return to the pitch on Saturday, October 3, traveling downstate to Decatur, Ill. to face Millikin University. Kickoff for the conference clash is slated for 1 p.m.