FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Led by a two-goal performance by The Summit League’s Offensive Player of the Year Kristen Hamilton (Littleton, Colo.), the top-seeded University of Denver women’s soccer team defeated tournament hosts Fort Wayne in first round of The Summit League Women’s Soccer Championships to advance to the Championship game on Sunday.

“It was a complete and patient performance from our team tonight,” said Jeff Hooker, The Summit League Coach of the Year. “For Kristen to get two goals tonight and draw the penalty on the other goal, showed why she has been the player of the conference in three different conferences in a row. Fort Wayne sat back in the whole first half and the patience of our midfield and outside backs to continue to play how we wanted and break them down was impressive. I was proud they didn’t get frustrated and kept going until we figured out how to break through. We are looking forward to the final.”

Hamilton scored the eventual game-winner in the 42nd minute as she beat the Fort Wayne goalkeeper, Sam Pavlika, to the left side. Junior Shelby Wesley (Aurora, Colo.) and senior Nicholette DiGiacomo (Golden, Colo.) were credited with assists.

DiGiacomo converted a penalty kick in the 68th minute after a Mastodon foul in the box for the Pioneer's second goal of the match.

In the 83rd minute, Hamilton recorded the brace off a pass from junior Nikki Pappalardo (San Diego, Calif.).

Freshman goalie Cassidy Rey (Arcadia, Calif.) finished a complete game with her 13th shutout of the season, facing only one shot.

Inside The Box Score

• Denver's Kristen Hamilton scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner, giving her 12 on the year and a total of 35 points.
• The Pioneers limited the Mastodons to just one shot in the match, its lowest shot total of the season.
• Hamilton registered a team-high four points (two goals) for Denver, while Nicholette DiGiacomo had three points (one goal, one assist).
• Denver held a 5-0 advantage in corner kicks.

News & Notes

• Denver's 17 wins this season match IUPUI's league-high in overall victories from 2009.
• Kristen Hamilton's two goals are tied for third in a league tournament match, while her four points are tied for fourth.
• Denver goalkeeper Cassidy Rey collects her sixth shutout of the season, second-best in the league.

With the win, the Pioneers advance to the Championship game on Sunday, taking on the North Dakota State Bison at 10 a.m. MT. The Bison defeated the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 2-1 to advance.

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