FULTON, MO – As the #5 seed in the conference standings, the Principia women's soccer team went on the road to face the Westminster College Blue Jays in the conference quarterfinals on Saturday. Both teams battled to a scoreless draw through double overtime with the Blue Jays ultimately advancing in a penalty shootout.
The Principia women battled their hearts out on a chilly night in Fulton, keeping a talented offensive team off the score sheet for 110 minutes of play.
Christin Walls finished out her collegiate career with her third shutout in a row and sixth of the season. All-conference center back
Makayla Kurtz led the Panthers backline which includes
Maddie Frank,
Sana Udoekong, and
Myka Fenton playing stalwart defense.
Kiara Smith had a great game patrolling the midfield contributing on offense and defense, and she was named to the SLIAC All-Tournament Team afterwards. The shots on goal were about even with 5 from Principia and 6 from Westminster.
With no one finding the back of the net after both 10 minute overtimes, the game would be decided by penalties. Principia's first penalty was taken by Walls, a rare occurrence in soccer to have the opposing goalkeeper shoot first. The unorthodox plan worked out as Walls calmly converted the penalty.
Zayana Brown stepped up next for the Panthers and also scored with a perfectly placed shot. Westminster goalie Reagan Chigas was able to guess right on the next two Principia PKs, while the Blue Jays converted all of their penalties to secure the victory and advance to the SLIAC semifinals.
Despite the heartbreaking loss to end the season, the Panthers have a lot to be proud of with their incredible defensive effort holding a team with eight all-conference players scoreless. With only two graduating seniors, the team will look to continue to build and improve next season.
