No. 7 Mines Outdoes No. 23 Lions In Third Round Shootout
GOLDEN – NSCAA No. 7 Colorado School of Mines women's soccer advanced to its fourth NCAA Tournament quarterfinal in six seasons on Friday with a 4-2 shootout decision against No. 23 Texas A&M-Commerce at CSM Soccer Stadium.

Mines (16-1-5), less than two weeks removed from earning its fourth straight RMAC Tournament title on penalty kicks, remained unbeaten in the round of 16 at 2-0-2 with the 1-1 draw.

Senior Kenzie King once again converted the determining score in the shootout bout after two of the initial three Lions' attempts caromed off the frame. 

Junior Mel Westhoff, freshman Emily Garnier and sophomore Cari Smith were also successful on their respective 12-yard tries. 

A turnover in the defensive third allowed Anitra Wright to capitalize with the day's opening tally at 9:41 as TAMUC (16-5-1) snapped the Orediggers' program record consecutive scoreless minutes streak at 769:41. 

Senior Nicho Cusack netted the equalizer 6:44 into the second half, heading in an opportunistic point blank rebound following a deflection off the crossbar by Smith. 

Mines finished the frame 9-6 on shots en route to a 16-10 afternoon advantage and 5-4 edge in on-goal chances. 

Cusack, Smith, sophomores Anna Deleray and Jaclyn Knott, and freshman Laya Rybicki each directed one to frame.

Junior keeper Jayln Yates (16-1-5) had two saves in the 110:00 minutes.

The Orediggers host West Region champion Cal State Stanislaus at 1 p.m. on Sunday in the Elite Eight. 

THIRD ROUND/QUARTERFINAL HEADQUARTERS