Sports briefs for December 8, 2003

Monday, Dec. 8, 2003 | 10:37 a.m.

Heather O'Reilly had two goals and an assist to lead undefeated North Carolina to a 6-0 victory against Connecticut in the NCAA championship game Sunday at Cary, N.C.

Lindsay Tarpley also scored twice, and Lori Chalupny and Alyssa Ramsey added goals for North Carolina, which completed a 27-0 season and finished the year by outscoring its six tournament opponents 32-0.

The championship was North Carolina's 18th in women's soccer.

O'Reilly was named the most outstanding offensive player in the tournament after finishing with eight goals and three assists. Teammate Catherine Reddick was named the defensive player of the tournament.

Connecticut (15-6-3) had no shots on goal and was outshot 26-4 in the loss.

Irwins edge Nicklauses

Hale and Steve Irwin closed with an 11-under 61 to hold off Jack and Jackie Nicklaus and win the Father-Son Challenge by one stroke at Orlando, Fla.

O'Leary gets new job

George O'Leary, forced to resign after just five days at Notre Dame two years ago because of a falsified resume, was to be introduced today as the new head coach at Central Florida. O'Leary has been defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings.

Jockey critically hurt

Two jockeys were injured, one critically, when three horses collided while approaching the first turn Sunday at Beulah Park in Grove City, Ohio. Orlando O'Farrill was in critical condition and Ramon Luna was listed in fair.

Webb wins U.S. title

Former high school sensation Alan Webb edged three-time NCAA steeplechase champion Dan Lincoln of Arkansas by three-tenths of a second to win the U.S. men's cross-country championship at Greensboro, N.C.

Penguins loan goalie

The Pittsburgh Penguins will loan goalie Marc-Andre Fleury to the Canadian team for the world junior championships Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Finland.