Spring Break
ECU brings home conference title
Heffner scores game-winner in double OT
Sean Labar
Issue date: 11/4/08 Section: Sports
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It was also the second time in university history that an ECU team won a regular season C-USA title. The first was the baseball team, which won the 2004 C-USA championship.
The first goal of the game came early, as senior Blair Heffner found the back of the net, giving the Pirates a 1-0 lead. The Pirates were able to put another one in before halftime, giving them a safe two-goal advantage as the first half expired.
But the Thundering Herd hit the field in the second half with a new attitude and stole the show.
It was clear they would do anything possible to shut down the Pirates' dreams, and their play demonstrated just that. Marshall's Ericka Duncan shortened ECU's lead with an early second half goal, and went on to assist Angela DeSumma for the match equalizer. Both defenses remained strong throughout the rest of the period forcing the game into overtime.
As both teams battled through overtime, it was Heffner's play that put the icing on the cake. On a beautiful cross by sophomore Jessica Cunningham, Heffner headed the ball past the Marshall keeper, solidifying the conference title.
"Honestly you can't put into words how amazing it felt, especially the game winning goal," Heffner said of her performance. "It being senior day just added to the emotions."
It was clear that the team's ultimate goal had been established and high emotions were on display at Bunting Field after the game-winning goal was scored.
"We've worked so hard this year towards the conference championship, so it feels great to finally achieve this goal," said Heffner. "We all signed a covenant at the beginning of the season, conference champions being at the top, so being able to check that off is a great accomplishment."
After falling behind early, Marshall came close to ruining ECU's title chase with its furious comeback-something ECU coach Rob Donnenwirth recognized after the game.
"Obviously, we had some letdowns today, losing a two-goal lead, but I am proud of our ladies for recovering and winning our first conference title," said Donnenwirth. "Marshall deserves a lot of credit for the way [they] played today. We will have to get some things worked out before the conference tournament but we are definitely going to enjoy the championship today. We will now get ready for our third season [the C-USA tournament]."
The team stressed that though the excitement of Friday's victory will be around for a while, the C-USA tournament is just around the corner, and the Pirates must maintain their composure to continue this success.
"We just need to stay focused on our No. 1 goal, winning the conference championship," Heffner said. "I am extremely confident in this team. We work so hard everyday and I believe we deserve this more than any other team."
The Pirates will play SMU in the first round of the tournament on Wednesday in Houston. The championship game is scheduled for Sunday.
This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.
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