Allendale, Mich. — The SVSU Women's Soccer team headed to the GLIAC Tournament semifinals on Friday (Nov. 2) night against the #14 Ferris State University. The Cardinals held the Bulldogs to a no score outing for regulation and both overtimes, but was unable to finish the night out with a 3-2 loss in penalty kicks for FSU to earn the victory and head to the GLIAC Tournament finals against Grand Valley State on Sunday.
The first half was primarily dominated by the Bulldog offense, outshooting the Cards 7-3. Mallory Hestwood led the Cardinal offense, taking two out of three shots, but could not find the back of the net.
The teams headed into the locker room, score 0-0, but the Cardinals were not ready to give up just yet.
Valentina Giambanco put two shots on goal during the second half of play to lead the Cardinals, as SVSU had nine second half shots compared to Ferris's seven.
Neither team, however, was able to score and the match went on to bonus soccer and overtime.
After the conclusion of regulation play and two overtimes, which saw Saginaw Valley have some solid chances offensively, the score remained 0-0 and the teams headed into a shootout to see who would advance to the finals on Sunday against #1 Grand Valley State University.
Alyssa Watts (T, 12-3-4) ended her time before the shootout with six saves for the Cardinals.
Junior keeper Abby Divozzo, stepped in for the shootout, as she stopped three PKs in the semifinal game last season against Ashland.
Despite the valiant efforts, the Cardinals were only able to find the back of the net twice, with good PKs coming from Giambanco and Lindsay Stroebel, while Ferris State topped out with three netters to end the contest in their favor.
Inside the Box Score:
- Giambanco led the team with five shots, putting two on goal.
- Amy Babon had a few good chances with three shots and two on goal.
- Jennifer Muana and Brianna Bishop each had one shot on goal.
- SVSU led in corners, 9-4.
Up Next...
The Cardinals will await their fate for the NCAA Tournament — the selection show is set for Monday evening. SVSU was ranked fourth in this week's midwest regional rankings.
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