COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Saturday evening the Malone University women's soccer team returned to Ohio Dominican University for a match, however this time much more was on the line.
The No. 7 seeded Pioneers (5-5-2, 4-5-1 G-MAC) squared off against the No. 2 seeded Panthers (6-1-3, 6-1-2 G-MAC) in the quarterfinal round of the Great Midwest Women's Soccer Championship Tournament.
After a full 110 minutes of play neither team had a goal which forced the match into a penality kick shootout. It was there that Malone advanced past the Panthers 5-4.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
The first half was as evenly matched as possible. Both sides got off two shots on goal, but neither team was able to capitalize on their opportunities.
At halftime the match stood tied 0-0.
In the second-half the Malone defense weathered an offensive onslaught from the Panthers. ODU fired off six shots on goal to just one from the Pioneers. MU's defense held their own however.
Jessica Morgan made six saves to force overtime.
Neither team was able to really get off a good look at goal in either overtime period, and after a full 110 minutes of play the match was still tied at 0-0.
Because it was a tournament game a winner was needed so the sides readied for the penalty kick shootout.
Keeley Malley,
Brooke Lindenschmidt,
Madeline Ault,
Natalie Martorana and
Mykayla Askew were all good on their opportunities for Malone.
With the Pioneers up 5-4 in the shootout
Jessica Morgan stepped up and saved the attempt from ODU's Alex Garver to send Malone on to the semifinal match.
PIONEER POINTS
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Malone advances to the semifinal match of the conference tournament for the first time since 2016.
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Morgan made a total of nine saves in the match to pick up her first shutout of the season. She now has 58 saves on the season.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Pioneers advance to the semifinal round where they will face the No. 3 seed Cedarville University Yellow Jackets. Ohio Dominican will continue to serve as the host site for the remainder of the tournament.
Thursday night's semifinal is slated for a 7:30 p.m. kick-off.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Malone University athletic programs this year follow the Pioneers on Twitter and Instagram, like Malone University Athletics on Facebook or visit malonepioneers.com.
