Stress turned into elation for the UNBC Timberwolves women’s soccer team.
After battling for 120 minutes, the T-Wolves took advantage of the shootout on Friday, upsetting the Manitoba Bisons in a Canada West play-in game in Vancouver.
UNBC took the lead late in the second half courtesy of a Mara McCleary boot in the 69th minute past Bisons goalkeeper Madison Wilford.
WSOC ⚽️
A thrilling 1st round that included a pair of games decided by penalty kicks is in the books! It's down to 8 teams for the CW quarter-finals continuing this weekend. Don't forget you can watch it all on https://t.co/hTaeCa3GCl! ?
WSOC RECAPS ➡️ https://t.co/ApNIxYHYSP pic.twitter.com/f6Ar72ptnf
— Canada West (@CanadaWest) October 27, 2018
However, Manitoba didn’t go away quietly as Hailey Lavarias beat Timberwolves keeper Brooke Molby for a 1-1 tie after regulation.
A scoreless overtime led to a penalty kicks, a period of the game UNBC dominated thanks to goals from Paige Payne, Sarah Zuccaro, and Madison Emmond, winning the shootout 3-1.
This is the first playoff victory in U-Sports for UNBC in women’s soccer.
The Timberwolves advance to the quarter-finals on Sunday against the UBC Thunderbirds.
It was a victorious debut for both UNBC basketball programs on Friday.
The Timberwolves pumped Mount Royal in Calgary by a score of 93-61 in women’s action, while the UNBC men scored a 95-80 victory over the Cougars.
Both teams play the second half of the double-header today.
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