[NCAA DIVISION III WOMEN] Hardin-Simmons won its first NCAA Division III women’s title with a 2-1 win over two-time defending champion Messiah on Saturdayevening at the Blossom Athletic Complex in San Antonio, Texas.
The Cowgirls took the lead just 132 seconds into the game on a goal by CarlynPowers, and went 2-0 ahead in the sixth minute when Katie Kuykendall again served a ball into the box off a corner kick and Erin Low deflected it in off her hip.
“Erin Low played the best game of her life,” said HSU coach Marcus Wood. “I have coached Erinsince she was 11 years old as a club player. I have never seen her play better than she did this weekend. She was a senior and I started a freshman over her for most of the season and Erin didn’t likeit and she told me that, but I told her to stay with us that we would need her. The freshman got hurt and Erin played great throughout the playoffs. She took advantage of her time.”
Lowwas named the offensive MVP of the tournament. Her teammate Rebecca Roth was named the defensive MVP. Roth was huge as the Cowgirls held off Messiah for thefinal 85 minutes. Roth finished the night with six saves, including four in the second half.