By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Sports Editor

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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