Box Score Box Score
HOUGHTON, N.Y (November 12, 2011) – The Women's Soccer team defeated rivals Houghton College 1-1 (3-2 PK's) to advance to the NAIA National Championships for the first time in program history.
“I am proud of the girls today,” said Coach Dan Berg. “We were really banged up going into today's game and some people really stepped up to the challenge. Going to NAIA's for the first time in program history is amazing. This was our goal as a team since preseason. We had a lot of ups and downs this season. I am so proud of this team and the effort they put in today.”
The visitors got on the board first in the14th minute when
Vanessa Sell was able to hit a high shot over Highlanders' Alexa Thayer who deflected the ball off the crossbar and into the back of the net.
Kathryn Hornibrook would tie the game with only four minutes left in regulation to force the game into overtime.
Neither team could find the back of the net in both overtime periods, forcing a penalty kick shootout to decide the winner.
Erika Ludke would miss her kick as the Highlanders went up 1-0. Sell sent her kick from the spot home to make it a 2-1 advantage for Houghton. The Highlanders would miss their next two kicks.
Andrea Tutino scored the decisive kick to make it 3-2 for the Raiders. The Highlanders missed their final shot to give the Raiders the win.
Marissa Sell made 10 saves for the Raiders, filling in for the injured
Breanna Maggio. “Marissa played an amazing game in net today having not played since September,” said Berg.
Houghton out-shot the Raiders 32 to 11.
The Raiders improve to 11-9 on the season with the win.
The team will find out who, when, and where they will play in the Opening Round early in the week.
