Nov. 7, 2009

Box Score  Photo Gallery 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The women's soccer season came to an end today as Aquinas defeated the Panthers in penalty kicks 5-4 after the game was knotted at 1-1 after two overtimes. DU ends their season at 8-6-3 overall.

The first half saw the Panthers struggle from the beginning at Aquinas took a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute. The Saints controlled most of the play as nerves got the best of DU with it being their first ever post-season game.

After a spirited halftime speech from Head Coach Chris Allen, DU responded with a goal just 24 seconds into the 2nd half when Britteny Willis (Hudsonville, Mich.) connected with Alyssa Malone (Hudsonville, Mich.) who headed the ball past the Saints keeper to tie the game.

Defense then became huge for both teams as each would have their fair share of opportunities but Catherine Howard (Lowell, Mich.) was solid in net for the Panthers not allowing another goal through regulation or both overtimes.

After two 10-minute overtimes, the two squads went to a shootout in a best of five scenario.

The first two from each side made their goals and then Ashley Phillips (Stevensville, Mich.) gave DU a 3-2 lead with Aquinas' 3rd shooter up. A huge save from Howard gave the Panthers a chance to win but they were unable to close it out on the 4th shooter and each of the last two made it to send it into a sudden-death.

Davenport's Alyssa Malone was just high on her attempt giving AQ a chance to win and a solid shot by the Saints' 6th girl was the difference as AQ won 5-4 on penalty kicks.

DU ends their season at 8-6-3 since the game is not recorded as a loss but rather a tie.