CENTRAL STRIKES BACK, CLAIMS THIRD GAME IN CROSS-TOWN TRILOGY

If one were to write a script for a soccer match between two rivals, it would be tough to top this one.

And we're not talking about just one game, but a three-game season series.

The Cape Central Lady Tigers (9-3-4) edged the Notre Dame Lady Bulldogs 1-0 Wednesday in overtime to complete the sensational season trilogy between the two friendly, but fierce, rivals.

The win for the Lady Tigers evened the series at 1-1-1. Notre Dame (8-8-1) won the first, 2-1, and the second ended in a 2-2 tie. All three matches went to overtime and each team scored four goals.

"I don't think these teams could have played more even throughout the three games," said Notre Dame coach Jeff Worley. "They played very well today and had a few more chances than we did."

Trisha Klipfel capped the final match of the series with an unassisted goal after 82 minutes of play. Receiving a long pass from Amber Voerg, Klipfel, with a Lady Bulldog defender all over her, dribbled through traffic and managed to net the game-winner from about 10 yards out.

Klipfel, injured on the final play when accidentally kneed in the thigh, said, "I just wanted to get it over, and get the win."

"They're friends and basically there's some real good respect for each other," said Lady Tiger coach Tom Doyle, "but there's a little bit of blood, too. But thats great as long as they leave it out here on the field and play the game as hard and clean as they can."

Not to be overlooked in the final outcome, was the outstanding effort and intensity both teams displayed throughout the contest, particularly, stellar performances from their freshmen goalkeepers. Cape Central's Megan Kistner registered the shutout, while Notre Dame's Katie Palmer had 12 saves.

"I feel bad for Katie (Palmer)," said Worley, referring to the last shot. "She made some great saves for us throughout the game and really picked us up several times."

Amber Voerg, Cape Central's all-time scoring leader remained one goal shy of 100 for her outstanding career.

Notre Dame won the junior varsity game 1-0 on a goal by Megan Holloway on an assist from Amanda Dirnberger.