| October 23, 2009
GOLDEN GIRL
Hemming’s OT goal sends DePaul to BE tourney
CHICAGO - Callie Hemming deflected Tara Strickland’s free kick into the net in the 105th minute not only gave DePaul a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Georgetown on Friday, but propelled the Blue Demons (10-7-2) into their first-ever BIG EAST championship tournament.
"Tara had a great service on her free kick, and Lauren (Pagone) made a
nice run at the goal to distract the goalkeeper," Hemming said. "I was
there at the right spot and redirected the ball."
It was a memorable shot that would redirect a soccer program that had
gone 17-49-7 the last four years.
"To finally make the BIG EAST tournament is so huge for this program,"
said Hemming, a junior midfielder. "I'm especially glad for all the
seniors who have put in four years of hard work to reach this point.
"We knew the winning goal was coming because we had been pressing hard
for more than 90 minutes. Right after I scored, everyone was running
around and jumping up and down. It felt great."
DePaul dominated from the start, outshooting the Hoyas 18-5 and putting 11 shots on goal. Georgetown goalkeepers Jackie DesJardin and Elizabeth Hanna combined for nine saves to keep the Hoyas alive into the second overtime.
"In my three years here, this is the best game DePaul has ever played,"
said Blue Demon coach Erin Chastain. "And, this team has the talent and
potential to get even better.
"It means a lot to make the BIG EAST tournament. That's why I came here
three years ago because I could see the potential of this program. Now,
we'd like to win on Sunday against Villanova and host a first-round
playoff game."
Georgetown (12-4-2) didn't test DePaul goalkeeper Claire Hanold at all in the scoreless first half. Finally, in the 54th minute, Strickland unleashed a direct free kick from 25 yards that beat Hanna.
The Hoyas responded within four minutes, as Catherine Cabot got her head on Samantha Baker’s long throw-in. DePaul had several dangerous scoring chances after that, but couldn't forestall overtime.
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