DECORAH, Iowa – The Luther women's soccer team tied Grinnell College 1-1 in regulation of the Midwest Conference Tournament Semifinal. After two periods of extra time the game went to penalty kicks where the Norse advanced to the championship by a margin of 4-3.
Rylie Bucklin made three saves in the in the penalty kick shootout. Luther is now 8-2-5 overall.
In the 20
th minute the Pioneers were the first to score as Rylee Howard knocked in the loose ball into the back of the net. The Norse responded with the equalizer in the 37
th minute on the counter attack with a goal from
Sarah Pollei.
Luther outshot Grinnell 6-2 in the second half, but both teams were held scoreless forcing overtime. In the second period of overtime Luther nearly had the game winning goal on a penalty kick but Grinnell keeper Peyton Dixon made the stop.
Luther went first in the penalty kick shootout missing the first followed by a save from Bucklin.
On the second attempt, the Pioneers goalie made the save. Grinnell scored on their next kick down the middle.
Ava Stemler tied the penalty kick shootout at 1-1 but the Pioneers reclaimed the lead 2-1 by converting on the third kick.
Abigail Lamers opted for a low shot into the lower right corner to tie it once again at 2-2. Bucklin stretched out to make the stop.
Annabelle Pollock gave the Norse a 3-2 lead with her shot high and to the left. This time it was the Pioneers tying it up a 3-3.
Kate Van Deventer went left and knocked it into the net to give Luther a 4-3advantage. Then Bucklin made an amazing stop stretching out to deny the Pioneers. Luther won on penalty kicks 4-3 and advanced to the championship.
Grinnell finishes their season with a 7-9-3 record.
Luther will face Lawrence University in the MWC Championship on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m.
