Nov. 2, 2011

Box Score

Box Score l Post-Game Quotes

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Kimmy Cummings and Amanda Malkiewicz each scored goals on a pair of Jessica Abshire assists to lead fifth seed East Carolina (11-7-1) to a its first-ever win over fourth seed UCF (11-4-5) Wednesday night at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex during the first round of the 2011 Conference USA Championships.

With the win the Pirates advance to the semifinals and will square off against the winner of No. 1 Memphis and No. 8 Tulsa at 8:30 p.m. (ET) Friday, November 4.

Cummings' shot from the right flank ricocheted off the left post and in as ECU opened the scoring in the 21st minute. Cummings' ninth goal of the season was assisted by Jessica Abshire and gave the Pirates to a 1-0 halftime lead that they would never relinquish.

ECU stayed on the attack after the intermission as Malkiewicz beat a UCF offside trap, then won the one-on-one battle with UCF goalkeeper Aline Reis, to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead in the 47th minute.

UCF turned up the pressure in the second half, outshooting ECU 13-6.

Tishia Jewell fired six shots for UCF, with three on goal, including her blast in the 87th minute that hit the post and was slotted home by Nicolette Radovcic.

ECU would keep its composure and stave off any further UCF attacks and advance to the tournament semifinals, a credit to its seniors according to head coach Rob Donnenwirth.

"This was a great win for the girls. Really, it's our seniors; they have been here when we won the conference championship for the first time. We haven't been back to the tournament in two years, so this was special for them. They were really ready."

ECU Post-Match Notes:

• With the win ECU:
• Improves to 11-7-1 overall marking the most wins in a season since 2008 (14-4-4).
• Posts its first ever win against UCF (previous record: 0-7-2).
• Advances to the semifinals of the C-USA Championships for fourth time.
• Kimmy Cummings netted her team-best ninth goal, which are the most since Meghan McCallion scored nine in 2005 ... It was also her 15th career strike and 41st career point.
• Amanda Malkiewicz scored her fifth game-winner of the season (all against C-USA opponents) and 12th of her career ... It was her 25th career goal and 69th career point, both ranking fourth all-time at ECU.
• Jessica Abshire dished out both assists pushing her career total to 15, moving her into fifth place on the school's all-time list.