Transy uses PKs again to advance to NCAA tourney
RICHMOND, Ind. - For the second game in a row, Transylvania's women's soccer team played two overtimes and needed penalty kicks to advance to the NCAA Division III Championship for the first time since 2010.
The Pioneers traveled to Earlham Saturday to take on the Hearland Conference Tournament's top seed and after a 0-0 tie through regulation and two overtimes, Transy advances to post-season play with a 6-5 win in penalty kicks. Transy topped Hanover at home on Thursday in PKs, 7-6, just to reach the finals.
"We must like to play extra time," said Transy head coach Mike Fulton, who guided his team to its first NCAA berth since 2010 when his team also took to the road and defeated Earlham. "Our team just kept its composure and played hard. And they were rewarded in the end. I really liked our defensive effort and hopefully we can make some noise in the NCAA tournament."
Transy also made the NCAA field in 2009, again winning the HCAC tournament final on the road against Hanover. This will be the Pioneers' fourth NCAA appearance under Fulton, who has a career record of 117-44-12 in nine seasons at Transy.
For Transy, Ashley Cobane, Awbrey Wahle, Dani Kane, Anne Marie Dumaine, Abby Felthaus, and Natosha Boden each converted their penalty attempts. Claire Murphy misfired for Earlham after the Quakers had made their first five tries.
Earlham had a regular season win over the PIoneers, taking a 3-0 decision on Oct. 17. The Quakers came into the tournament as the top seed with Transy No. 2. Hanover won the HCAC tournament title last year after Transy fell in the semifinal round.
Transy had a 13-11 edge in shots, including a 10-4 margin in attempts on goal. Transy led in corner kicks, 5-3. Coban and Carly Williams led Transy in shots with three each.
Transy keeper Jerrica Scovel had four saves in net in addition to the final save in PKs.
NCAA bids and pairings will be announced on Monday at ncaa.com.
