MESA, Ariz. — Park University Gilbert's women's soccer team advanced to the GSAC Championship semifinals Tuesday night, defeating OUAZ 4-2 in a penalty shootout after playing to a 2-2 draw through 110 minutes at Arizona Athletic Grounds.
The Buccaneers found themselves trailing early after OUAZ's Alee Williams scored in the 20th minute. Park Gilbert responded in the 28th minute when
Mikenzie Kulish found the back of the net, assisted by
Kalei Ganotisi and
Marisah Nolan, to even the score at 1-1.
OUAZ regained the lead in the 56th minute through Desiree Dutra. Park Gilbert continued to push forward and found its equalizer in the 80th minute, as Kulish scored her second goal of the night to make it 2-2. The junior forward scored her eighth goal of the season.
Neither team managed to find a winner during the two overtime periods, sending the match to a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper
Journey Morimoto became the difference-maker, saving one OUAZ penalty attempt before converting her own kick.
Bekah Sipinga,
Kalei Ganotisi and
Marisah Nolan also scored from the spot to secure the 4-2 shootout victory for Park Gilbert.
Park Gilbert finished the match with a 20-10 advantage in shots and an 8-5 edge in shots on goal. Morimoto played all 110 minutes and recorded three saves before converting her penalty in the shootout.
Park Gilbert advances to the GSAC Championship semifinals on Thursday, November 5, where the Buccaneers will face top-seeded Embry-Riddle in Prescott, Arizona.
