CLEVELAND, Tenn.---The Mississippi College women's soccer team fell in Penalty Kick shootout to Florida Tech in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday afternoon (Nov. 19). The match was tied 0-0 through regulation and overtime before Florida Tech won in penalty kicks 4-1.

It was an intense defensive battle throughout the entire contest.  Shots were hard to come by in the first half. MC outshot Florida Tech 4-2 in the opening 45 (each team had 1 shot on goal). 

The pace of play picked up in the 2nd half. MC had 3 shots in the opening 11 minutes of the 2nd half after getting off just 4 in the entire 1st half. Both keeper's also began to be tested more throughout the 2nd half, but neither team was able to break through. Each team had 9 shots in the 2nd 45 minutes. 

With the match still tied after regulation, the match headed into Overtime. Golden goal rule was in effect for overtime, but neither team was able to breakthrough and find the winner as the match remained scoreless and went into a Penalty Kick Shootout.

Florida Tech took the advantage early in PK's and led 2-1 after the first 2 rounds with Kaylee Foster converting the PK for MC. Florida Tech would then extend their edge 3-1 after the 3rd round and then got the sealing PK in the 4th round.

Overall, MC outshot Florida Tech 17-11 and had an 8-6 edge in shots on goal. Foster led the way for MC with 5 shots with 3 being on goal. Avery Hederman also added 4 shots. MC goalkeeper Sara Maleski also added 6 saves in goal.

The Lady Choctaws finish up the year 12-4-2 after making the NCAA tournament for the 4th consecutive season. Florida Tech now advances to play Lee University in the 2nd round on Sunday.