Tigers top W. Soccer to clinch

For the Penn women's soccer team, the season ended rather fittingly. The Quakers were yet again unable to find the elusive back of the net as they were shut out for the sixth time this season. The Princeton Tigers were Saturday's aggressor, capturing a 1-0 victory along with an Ivy League title and an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. "We gave them the title on Saturday," senior midfielder Angela Konstantaras said. "You never want to do that with your biggest rival." Tigers midfielder Linley Gober gave the Orange and Black all that was needed with a goal in the 37th minute off a pass from sophomore defender Lynn Ariss. Princeton goalkeeper Jordan Rettig took care of the rest, recording her ninth shutout on the season and sixth in Ancient Eight competition. Once again, the Quakers offensive attack was subdued. "It's very frustrating -- we've been struggling with it all year," Konstantaras said. "We can't put the ball in the back of the net, and you're not going to win games that way." With the exception of Penn's five-goal offensive barrage against Lehigh last week, the Quakers have only been able to produce six goals in their last 10 games, a statistic that does not bode well for winning soccer games. Nevertheless, the team was pleased with its performance in the final game of its 2000 campaign. "All the girls played with heart, and everyone played really hard," Konstantaras said. "Minus the result, I was pleased with everything." "It was a well-fought game," senior co-captain Kelli Toland added. "We played with emotion and intensity." With the loss, the Red and Blue ended their season with an 8-8-1 overall record. The Quakers, losers of five of their last six contests, were only able to muster up a 2-5 league record on the season. The Quakers, however, credit this subpar season to a slew of adverse conditions, including injuries and a new coaching staff. "It was a tough year," Toland said. "With a new coach and new team dynamics, we had to adapt to a lot of changes." Injuries -- most notably Toland's ankle stress reaction -- also played a major role in the Quakers' demise. Despite the tough season, however, Toland will look back upon her collegiate soccer career with fond memories. "It's been such a big part of my life the last four years," she said. "The people involved have been my best friends. It's sad not to be a part of that anymore." The loss of five starters to graduation should hurt the Quakers next season, but Penn's seniors believe that the team has a bright and promising future with Darren Ambrose at the helm. "I have complete faith in Darren," Toland said. "He's a great addition to Penn's program. Both him and [assistant coach] Michelyne [Pinard] are so dedicated to making Penn a great program." Penn's five seniors, who helped carry the Quakers to their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance last year, will end their collegiate soccer careers without a ring to show for their efforts. But Konstantaras believes that an Ivy League title is in Penn's future. "Darren is a very talented coach," she said. "His vision for Penn will come true. They will be Ivy League champions."

News and Notes Both teams had players named Julie Shaner. Princeton's Shaner is a senior midfielder from Gwynedd Valley, Pa., while Penn's is a freshman defender from Ambler, Pa.... The Quakers expect to hear today whether they are headed to the ECAC Tournament. Penn won the tournament in 1997.

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