The Atlanta

Classics have done everything they can to reach the

W-League finals and exact revenge on the rivals the

Raleigh Wings. The Classics, currently 11-5, have had an

excellent season and possess a stellar offensive weapon

in the W-League's points and goals leader, Kerry Gragg.

Gragg has scored 18 goals this season while recording

eight assists. Her last goal was the only goal in the

Southern Conference Final.

The

Classics hosted the Tampa Bay Extreme and set themselves

up for a defensive battle. Atlanta opened up strong,

hitting the post twice in the first 13 minutes of the

game. Unfortunately, the game was still scoreless at the

half.

The

scoreless drought ended three minutes into the second

half when Gragg one touched a pass from Jenny Crawford.

Gragg's shot found the back of the net and the Classics

held on to win.

Kim

Brickner, the Classics sweeper, controlled the defense

spectacularly, while goalkeeper Amy Rudge made a few

brilliant saves to maintain the shutout. "I'm still

shaking,"said Rudge. "I had a lot of confidence

in my defense tonight; they did a great job."

The

Classics now move on the national tournament this weekend

in North Carolina. On Friday, Atlanta will play either

Chicago or Denver while Raleigh will face either Maryland

or Long Island. The third place game and the final will

be on Sunday.

The

Classics season ended last year with a 2-1 loss to

Raleigh in the final. They are looking for completely

different results this year.

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