SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - Lawrence Tech opened the scoring early at the 16:56 mark in the first half.
Stephanie Crawley started the game finding the back of the net off an assist from
Maria Micakaj to give the Blue Devils an early 1-0 advantage. Lawrence Tech's defense was anchored by goalkeeper MC Michalak. She held firm for the remainder of the half despite a dangerous push from Northwestern Ohio.
Northwestern Ohio amplified their offensive pressure in the second period, out shooting Lawrence Tech 7 to 6 shots. The persistence paid off late in regulation when there was an unassisted equalizer at 81:23 to level the match at 1-1. Northwestern Ohio had a golden opportunity to take the lead just minutes later at 86:29, but Michalak made a massive save on a penalty kick to keep the game tied.
Both teams battled through 20 minutes of grueling overtime, but neither side could find a golden goal. Goalkeepers both came up with clutch saves in the extra periods to force a shootout.
In the shootout, University of Northwestern Ohio converted their first two attempts, while
Hinana Takashima,
Stephanie Crawley, and
Claire Wise scored for Lawrence Tech. Michalak came through with three straight crucial stops on UNOH's final three attempts to secure the 3-2 shootout victory for the Blue Devils.
Their next match will be Wednesday, November 11 at Madonna.
