Howard Advances to Finals in Shootout

Howard Advances to Finals in Shootout https://t.co/ifpWF4HE5x

— Howard Athletics (@HUBisonSports) November 3, 2018

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – A classic defensive match went the way of the Howard Bison (12-6-1) as the No. 2 seed won 41 in penalty kicks to defeat Texas Southern (7-8-3) in the semifinals of the 2018 SWAC Women's Soccer Tournament.

After two overtime periods solved nothing, Howard converted its first four tries in shootout play, while TSU pushed two of its three tries wide left. Kendall Macauly stuck one high past Alexis Robles to send Howard back to the finals.

The victory avenges Howard's lone regular-season loss in conference play.

The Bison created potential looks early and almost had an opportunity for a close-range try, but stepped in front to cut off a potential pass. The Lady Tigers looked to turn that stand into a charge of their own, as defender Briana Norwood sent a high arcing pass close to net, but the ensuing shot by Macey Shipman curved wide right over the net.

In a stark contrast to the first half, offensive aggression opened the second stanza. Despite Texas Southern penetrating the Howard defense, the Lady Tigers were never able to find a clean look at a scoring attempt. After Howard's Makela Davidson was turned away by Robles, Desiree Harte just missed a goal as her shot was a tad high.

The Bison put together an opportunity but a crossing pass by Kendall Macauly was just out of reach of a leaping teammate's header attempt. The Bison then squandered another scoring chance thanks to a high shot following a rebounded header.

Texas Southern's Begona Bravo then found a streaking Gia Hodges, who drew a free kick opportunity. However, the try found nothing but Hightower's mitts, leaving the Lady Tigers empty-handed.

Howard proceeded to dominate possession from there, forcing Texas Southern on its heels. Bayley Carmichael nearly had an opening off a Jordan Taylor pass, but Robles picked it off. Following a brief run by Texas Southern, the Bison again threatened, but a Hollie Cartwright shot was scooped by Robles. After another stalemate, Texas Southern had perhaps the chance of the match on a close-range header, but Hightower denied the shot with a sprawling one-handed save to preserve the scoreless tie.

Hightower made 10 saves though TSU outshot the Bison 16-14.

BOX SCORE

About Howard University Athletics
The Howard University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors 19 NCAA Division I men and women varsity sports. The programs represent six conferences: the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association (CCSA), Sun Belt Conference, Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Conference. Visit www.hubison.com to learn more.

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