AUSTIN, Texas - Fans got exactly what they expected with Dallas Baptist and St. Edward's meeting in the Heartland Conference Championship. The match was settled in penalty kicks after two overtime periods with DBU taking the title.
Less than one minute into the contest
SARAH GUNDERSON put SEU on top with a header, giving the Hilltoppers a lead early. The Patriots scored the equalizer in the 11th minute.
It was an incredibly equal first half with SEU posting six shots and DBU five, but the Hilltoppers turned things up a notch after halftime.
St. Edward's had six shots and three corner kicks while only relinquishing one shot and one corner in the frame, but were unable to score the game-winner despite several close chances.
Each team had opportunities fall to the wayside in the overtime periods as the match rolled through 20 extra minutes of play, setting up the frenzied finish.
Dallas Baptist struck first and missed on their try while
INDIA WENTZ's shot was saved to start the shootout 0-0. DBU's Woodfill made her attempt as did SEU's
STEPHANIE EVANS in the second round. Niece's shot was just barely out of
ANNABEL SWEENEY's reach on the third attempt and
SABRINA CONE's shot slid just off frame to give the Patriots a 2-1 lead.
Castelan made her attempt to put the Hilltoppers down by two goals and
ANNIE HALLS did her part, burying her shot in the back of the net. Lindsey Washburn put the win out of reach for SEU, however, scoring her attempt to hand the Patriots the win.
St. Edward's had three earn All-Tournament honors. Gunderson,
SARAH AVANT and Cone all earned spots on the team.
The Hilltoppers move to 12-4-3 on the year and will await their fate to see if they are selected for an at-large bid into the NCAA Championship.
