The Texas Tech soccer team defeated the Oklahoma State Cowgirls to advance to the semifinal round of the Big 12 tournament.
In a game where neither team could score in regulation or overtime, the Red Raiders won the ending penalty kick shootout 5-4 to move on to the next round of the Big 12 tournament.
A Scoreless Game
Much like the regular season matchup between the two teams, the Red Raiders and Cowgirls played in a defensive slugfest.
Tech controlled possession for most of the first period but failed to convert on any of its six shots.
The Red Raiders managed to get two early shots in the third and fourth minute. Senior midfielder Jen Rose took the first shot, but the ball missed wide and out of bounds. Freshman defender Macy Blackburn had an opportunity just a minute later, but Oklahoma State goalkeeper Evie Vitali was there to make the save.
The Cowgirls first shot came in the 20th minute. Senior midfielder Grace Yochum aimed for the top right of the goal, but Tech goalkeeper Madison White made the save to keep the game scoreless.
The rest of the game followed a similar script. Both teams had opportunities, but neither could convert. Even with two overtime periods, neither team could find an answer for the opposition’s tough defense.
Madison White would end up with three saves, and Tech defender Hannah Anderson came up with some timely stops to prevent the Cowgirls from getting any clean looks. On the other side, Evie Vitali would end up recording seven saves to anchor the Cowgirl defense.
Tech Wins Penalty Kick Shootout
In the game-deciding penalty kick period, both teams made four their first five kicks.
Macy Blackburn made the first shot for Tech, but it was answered by Grace Yochum who made Oklahoma State’s first attempt.
Tech junior forward Macy Schultz, and senior midfielder Charlotte Teeter made the Red Raider’s second and third attempts, but Oklahoma State cashed in on its second and third shots as well. Midfielder Kim Rodriguez and defender Ally Jackson converted for the cowgirls.
On the fourth penalty kick, freshman forward Ashleigh Williams converted her attempt for the Red Raiders. Madison White successfully deflected the next Cowgirl shot to give Tech a 4-3 advantage.
Oklahoma State stayed in the game when Evie Vitali deflected Hannah Anderson’s attempt. Cowgirl super senior forward Charmé Morgan made her attempt to tie the penalty kick shootout at four.
Both teams remained tied after taking five shots each. By rule, both teams would alternate taking one shot until a winner could be determined.
Midfielder Jorde Harr converted on her attempt to give the Red Raiders a 5-4 advantage. Madison White deflected an attempt by Cowgirl junior defender Summer Chaffin up and over the crossbar to seal the victory for Tech.
Comments From Tom Stone
Tech head coach Tom Stone credited Joride Harr for making a high pressure kick.
“It’s hard to be a senior knowing this could be the last kick of your career, and you got to bury it.” Stone said. “I give Jordie credit as a senior for putting that away, that was awesome.”
Stone said winning the game in penalties speaks volumes about the fortitude of the team.
Up Next
The Red Raiders will take on the No. 1 seeded TCU Horned Frogs in the Big 12 semifinals. The game will take place on Thursday Nov. 4.
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