Canes Win 3-2 in Double-Overtime in ACC opener

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – In its ACC opener, the University of Miami scored early and then fought off a Clemson rally for a 3-2 double-overtime victory Thursday night at Cobb Stadium.

Junior Kate Howarth put in another great performance with two goals, pushing her team-leading tally to seven. However, freshman Ashley Flinn won it for the Canes with her first collegiate goal in extra time. The Romeo, Mich. native and also added an assist.

Only four minutes in to the first half, the Hurricanes were on the board, as a perfectly crossed ball from Maddie Simms connected with Howarth for a nifty header that found the back of the net. The assist was Simms’ first collegiate point.

Miami continued to apply pressure and soon after picked up another Howarth goal. Flinn chased down a long ball deep in Clemson’s territory, then ripped a cross that Howarth gathered and buried into the lower left side in the 15th minute.

“We came out really well in the game,” said Miami head coach Tom Anagnost. “We were very dangerous and finished our chances… but credit Clemson for fighting and clawing the whole way.”

Clemson countered just five minutes later as Rachel Hurd put in a low cross to Jona Kristin Hauksdottir for a goal.

After a fast-paced opening 20 minutes, neither team could muster another quality scoring opportunity and the Hurricanes went into break with a 2-1 lead.

Early in the second half Clemson’s Stacey Huddleston crossed a ball to Heather Marik for a header to even the score at two. It marked only the second time this season that the Canes have allowed multiple goals in a match.

Clemson again threatened again in the 57th minute with a long shot but Vikki Alonzo made a great diving save to keep the score even.

With a physical regulation finished – where there was a total of 24 fouls called – the Canes and the Tigers headed into extra time.

After a back-and-forth overtime, the Hurricanes wasted no time in the second extra period, as Flinn headed in the game-winner off a great Schwitter cross in the 101st minute.

“I thought Clemson did well in the second half,” said Anagnost. “I think they pressed us a little more, but in the overtime our women were very aggressive and I think that was the difference in the game.”

The win was the second double-overtime victory for UM and their sixth win in a row. It also marked the third time this season that Howarth scored multiple goals.

The Hurricanes will be back in action Sept.  17 as they play the first of three consecutive road games in Annapolis, Md. against Navy.

The University of Miami is also excited to offer a new season ticket package that will include two (2) adult and (3) youth tickets to all home volleyball and soccer events in the 2011 season.  The Family plan provides a family of five with over 20 events for the incredible price of $50. To purchase a Volleyball and Soccer Family Plan call 1-800-Go Canes or buy online.