Box Score
Leah Fortune and Summer Lanter each registered a hat trick in the first half to lead the Lee Lady Flames to a 7-0 defeat of visiting Campbellsville University to win the NCCAA Mid-East Region Championship. Lee (14-3-1) advances to the NCCAA National Championship which will be held December 2-7 in Kissimmee, Fla.
"Before kickoff we talked about coming ready to play and making sure this last game at home was a good representation of our season and I think the team definitely answered the challenge," said Lee head coach Matt Yelton.
Fortune put Lee on the board in the fifth minute. The senior took a pass from Ode Fulutudilu and fired it past the Lady Tigers' goalkeeper.
Lanter gave the Lady Flames a two-goal cushion in the 12
th minute. The freshman received a double-assist from Danielle Ciabattone and Fortune. Fortune finished the match with two assists.
The duo would alternate goals the rest of the half. Fortune would record goals in the 23
rd and 37
th minutes, while Lanter added goals in the 34
th and 39
th minutes.
Fulutudilu would add her fourth goal of the season in the second half to put a cap on the scoring. Kinsey Cichowitz was credited with two assists in the match.
"I thought it was a complete performance out of our girls and while Leah and Summer were outstanding in the goal scoring department we had a complete team performance from start to finish," added Yelton.
Lee dominated every statistical category. The Lady Flames fired off 34 shots and put 13 on goal. Campbellsville placed two of its five shots on frame. The Lady Tigers were awarded three corner kicks to Lee's nine.
"Our defense has been excellent recently and have been a key to our success," added Yelton. "They are also doing a great job of getting us started on the attacking side of play."
Haley Gribler tallied two saves in recording her eighth shutout of the season. Brandie Hagerman turned aside six Lee shots in the loss.
"We are excited to be moving on to Kissimmee and look forward to competing in the national tournament," wrapped up the 12-year Lee coach.
