Despite the close score, the match against the Blue Devils was clearly dominated by the Deacs. Wake Forest played a brilliant game in the cold and rainy conditions, but was unable to convert on numerous scoring opportunities. The Deacs registered six shots in the first half to just one for the Blue Devils, however, both teams were scoreless heading into halftime.

"We played really solid back-to-back halves," Head Coach Jen Averill said. "We didn't get any rewards out of the first half for our hard work, but I just told the kids to stay focused and keep with our game plan."

And focused they were. With a chance to travel to Louisville, Ky., for the semifinals of the NCAA tournament for their third consecutive year, the Deacs came out in the second half determined to take care of business.

In the 51st minute of play, the tie was broken when freshman Maeke Boreel crossed the ball to sophomore Kelly Dostal who beat Duke goalkeeper Christy Morgan on the far post.

"I had a couple of chances in the first half and could not convert," Dostal said. "In the second half I got the ball and tossed it on my reverse side and took a shot. I have been working on it a lot in practice and it is good to see it finally be successful in a game."

Though they had a 1-0 lead, Averill's squad did not let up and found another goal just five minutes later when Boreel collected a rebound and found the back of the goal. "One up on Duke doesn't mean anything," Averill said. "I was just glad we continued to be persistent and attack as well."

In their first round match up against California, the Deacs scored early and often, putting on a clinic for the Golden Bears. The Deacs were paced by junior Kelly Doton, who registered three goals, and two assists and sophomore Claire Lawhon, who added two goals in the second half. Senior Heather Aughinbaugh rounded out the highlights with three assists in the debacle.

The Deacs' success this season has been nothing short of a strong team effort as five players were named to the 2002 Division I All-Region teams. Aughinbaugh, Doton, Dostal and junior Lucy Shaw were all named to the All-South Region first team, while senior Maria Whitehead was selected to the second team.

All five players were also previously honored as All-ACC selections for their performance this year in conference play.

The Demon Deacons head to the Final Four to take on the Michigan State Spartans in the semifinals. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 22 in Louisville, Ky.

A victory would put them in the finals against the winner of the Old Dominion and Penn State game Nov. 24. They have been this far before, but never has the team brought home the hardware.

However, Averill is confident about her team and its chances this season.