Miami Unbeaten in Four Straight With 1-0 Win Over NC State

Oct. 30, 2008

RALIEGH, N.C. – The University of Miami women’s soccer team (10-6-3, 3-4-2) clinched a spot in the ACC Tournament with a 1-0 victory over the NC State Wolfpack (8-11-0, 0-9-0) Thursday night.

Freshman Julianne Rickers scored her third goal of the season in the 65th minute for the game’s only goal. She took a Jessica Wyble pass and outraced the NC State defense before firing a shot from 20-yards out for the score.

That was all the offense that Miami needed in the shutout, which was the 11th of the season for the team and for freshman goal keeper Vikki Alonzo. The Carrollton, Texas native extended her school record for shutouts in a season. The previous season-high was six by Lauren McAdam in 2006.

The Hurricanes had other opportunities to score throughout the game. Rickers was inches away from having her first multi-goal game of her career as she hit the post in the 14th minute. In the second half, Wyble hit the post in the 86th minute, with the rebound going to Lauren Singer, who missed her shot high.

Miami has reached 10 wins for the first time under head coach Tricia Taliaferro and for the first time since 2001.

“We were focused on reaching the ACC Tournament and turning everything around these last four games,” said Taliaferro. “I am very proud of this team. We set a goal this season to get to the postseason and I am happy that we were able to execute and reach that goal.

Miami will stay in the state of North Carolina as they face the No. 2 Tar Heels on Sunday in their regular season finale. Gametime is set for 1 p.m.

“I am very excited, I have dreamt about playing North Carolina my entire life and now I get that opportunity,” said Alonzo.