NCAA Division III Women's Championship Match:  Messiah 1, TCNJ 0
Nov. 26, 2005	Billie Jo Atkins scored the goal  that won Messiah its first ever  national title. (Messiah)

Greensboro, N.C. -- Billie Jo Atkins scored on an assist from Rachel Horning in the 70th minute as Messiah College recorded a 1-0 win over The College of New Jersey to collect the 2005 NCAA Division III women’s soccer Championship on Saturday at Macpherson Stadium at Bryan Park.

The goal was fitting for a championship match. Atkins headed home a highlight reel throw-in from Horning for the game-winner. Horning did a flip throw-in which gave the diminutive midfielder the ability to hurl the ball 35-yards to the six yard box. The goal for Atkins was her fourth of the season.

"I've been doing that throw since I was nine years old," said Horning. "If I just started to try the flip now, I'd probably break my neck!"

"We've scored on that play about four times this year," said Falcon Head Coach Scott Frey. "It's a dangerous and exciting play because she has the ability to put it in front of the goal."

The exciting goal overshadowed a bit the stellar play of freshman defender Kacie Klynstra. She marked three-time TCNJ All American Brrittny Boyd and held her without a shot.

"She was the difference in our team this year," Frey said. "With Kacie in the back we were able to move players forward in the lineup. She does not play like a freshman."

Kylnstra was named most outstanding player for the tournament.

The match drew a crowd of 1,073, the fifth largest for a title game. Messiah, ranked No. 1 in Division III, captured the program's first NCAA Division III Championship. TCNJ earned runner-up honors for the third time in program history. Messiah went 22-0-1 on the year, while TCNJ went 22-1.

The two teams played to a scoreless tie after one half of action. Messiah recorded 10 shots to TCNJ's 8

Messiah’s junior goalie Cassie Grose made five saves in the shutout performance. TCNJ’s senior goalie, Alissa Kacar, made two saves for the Lions.

TCNJ’s Joe Russo said of the game, “My hats are off to Messiah. They were well coached, and well prepared. I am very proud of my team, especially these two next to me (referring to Alissa Kacar and Brittny Boyd). They are the heart and sole of this team. This is a very dynamic group. I could not be prouder of these kids.”

-2005 NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament Team

Kacie Klynstra, Messiah, Most Outstanding Player
Lydia Claudio, Tufts
Diana Connett, Chicago
Jacqui DeLeon, Chicago
Dana Di Bruno, TCNJ
Martha Furtek, Tufts
Sarah Hibschman, Messiah
Courtney Krol,TCNJ
Jamie Kunkel, TCNJ
Savannah Stolzenburg, Messiah
 

Messiah College (22-0-1) vs. TCNJ Lions (22-1-0)
Date: 11/26/05 Attendance: 1073
Weather: clear, sunny, 50

Goals by period       1 2 Tot
 -------------------------------
Messiah College..... 0 1 - 1
TCNJ Lions..........   0 0 - 0

SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 69:22 MESSW Billie Jo Atkins (4) (Rachel Horning) - off of flip throw-in

Shots: Messiah College 10, TCNJ Lions 8
Shots: Messiah College 2, TCNJ Lions 2
Saves: Messiah College 5 (Cassie Grose 5), TCNJ Lions 2 (Alissa Kacar 2)
Messiah College wins the 2005 NCAA Division III Championship with a 1-0 win over TCNJ.