PROVO, Utah — The BYU women’s soccer team beat New Mexico 1-0 Thursday in the Mountain West Conference semifinals, but not without a fight from Lobos defender Elizabeth Lambert.
Lambert has been suspended indefinitely following her aggressive play in the game, which included her yanking BYU forward Kassidy Shumway to the ground by her hair.
Effective immediately, Lambert is prohibited from participating in all team practices, competition and conditioning activities.
“I am deeply and wholeheartedly regretful for my actions,” said Lambert. “My actions were uncalled for. I let my emotions get the best of me in a heated situation. I take full responsibility for my actions and accept any punishment felt necessary from the coaching staff and UNM administration. This is in no way indicative of my character or the soccer player that I am. I am sorry to my coaches and teammates for any and all damages I have brought upon them. I am especially sorry to BYU and the BYU women’s soccer players that were personally affected by my actions. I have the utmost respect for the BYU women’s soccer program and its players.”
“Liz is a quality student-athlete, but in this instance her actions clearly crossed the line of fair play and good sportsmanship,” said University of New Mexico head women’s soccer coach Kit Vela.
“Liz’s conduct on the field against BYU was completely inappropriate,” said UNM Vice President for Athletics Paul Krebs. “There is no way to defend her actions.”
Should the NCAA ban Lambert, a junior, from returning to the game? Click here to vote in our watercooler poll.
[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvEobeNfGcc&feature=related]
