OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- In their first-ever appearance in the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship, the Bellevue University women's soccer team nearly pulled off a huge upset, tying 12th-ranked Oklahoma City University, 0-0, before the Stars advanced to the second round with a 4-3 advantage in the shootout.
The Bruins end their season at 15-4-2. Oklahoma City (19-2-1) advances to the NAIA National Championship final site in Decatur, Ala. on Nov. 29-Dec. 4.
The two teams battled to a scoreless tie through two periods and two five-minute overtime periods, forcing the shootout to determine who would advance in the tournament.
Oklahoma City took the shootout, scoring on penalty kicks from Malin Andersson, Josefine Holmgren, Courtney Worsham, and Alex Miley. Bellevue got goals from Morgan Anderson, Amy Stigge, and Meredith Shuman before OCU goalkeeper Brittany Tibbs stopped Paige Wischmann to give the Stars the 4-3 shootout win.
Ana Price tied a career-high with eight saves in the game.
Oklahoma City held a 25-4 advantage in shots and an 8-0 margin in shots on goal.
