Women's soccer played their first of two away matches in Montana today verse the University of Mary in Billings, Montana. CCU came into the game on a high note after scoring four goals against Wayne State last Sunday.
 
The first half saw CCU take just three shots, but certainly more would have come if not for four off side calls on the Cougars. Their best chance came late in the half from a corner kick from sophomore Sarah Feller. Feller placed the ball just right for junior defender Kennady McCullough to connect with a strong header that was saved by the University of Mary's keeper.
 
The second half saw much of the same, with CCU clearly winning the time of possession battle, but unfortunately coming up empty after three more shots. With the game still tied at 0-0, the teams prepared to play sudden death overtime, which includes two separate, 10-minute halves.
 
The first overtime started off fast for the Cougars, when just over one minute in junior Dakoda McCullough sent in a shot that was saved by UM's keeper. The rest of the first overtime was largely a defensive battle that saw no more shots.
 
In the second overtime the Marauder's sought to challenge freshman keeper Ireland VanDyke with two quick shots in the first two minutes. VanDyke was up for the challenge though, saving both of them. The difference in the game came 104 minutes into playing time when a CCU penalty in their own box gave the University of Mary a Penalty Kick for an opportunity to win the game.
 
VanDyke set up between the posts and waiting as the Marauder shot taker walked out her steps and lined up her shot. VanDyke read the shot perfectly as she fully extended to her right and slightly deflected the ball, but unfortunately, she was not able to get enough on the ball to completely stop it from going in.
 
Historically and statistically, penalty shots favor the shooter, with a goal coming about 80-85% of the time. After the game, head coach Tammy McPherson praised her young keeper saying, "PK's are extremely difficult to save so the fact that VanDyke read the shot correctly and got something on it is very impressive."  
 
Coach was also confident about that this outcome won't have a lasting effect on the team's preparation or play in their next game. "I know our players will come out strong on Sunday to play another great game." Coach was als
 
The Cougars will finish off their season opening string of road games on Sunday, September 10, when they play the Yellowjackets of Montana State University - Billings at 11:00 a.m.