(San Francisco, CA) – University of San Francisco women’s soccer avoided another tie, earning the 2-1 overtime victory against Saint Mary’s (8-6-0, 0-1-0 WCC) on Sunday in the West Coast Conference opener for both teams. Sunday’s game at Negoesco marked the sixth time the Dons (6-1-5, 1-0-0 WCC) played into extra frames this season.

Sophomore forward Molly Hall earned the game winner, punching the ball into the open net after a pass from sophomore defender Kelli Woodard that lined her up with the goal with just 15 seconds remaining in the first overtime. Hall also put the Dons up 1-0 in the first half. At 20:01, a touch from senior midfielder Kristina Hall placed the ball about 20 yards in front of the goal, and Molly Hall beat the keeper to the goal.

Saint Mary’s tied it up on a free kick at 58:04. Jessica Menzhuber scored her ninth goal of the season after a quick pass from Daelyn Paul.

USF outshot the Gaels 12-8, but SMC just edged the Dons in corner kicks 6-5. Molly Hall and sophomore midfielder Kallie Caldwell led USF with three shots each. Kristina Hall, junior defender Ashley O’Brien, freshman midfielder Aly Drake, sophomore midfielder Keonna Robinson, and freshman forward Laura Gordon each added one shot in the match. Senior goalkeeper Kelly Pohle (6-1-5) had four saves, and SMC’s Tara Larson had seven.

“That was a huge win for us,” said head coach Mark Carr. “Saint Mary’s is having a tremendous year, and they are ranked in the Top-60, but I thought we were the better team today. We had our low point in the second half where they were winning balls and we were struggling, but proof for me was that Molly hadn’t scored all year, and she scored two today. It really was a team performance though and we’re 1-0 in conference so that’s exciting.”

USF returns to West Coast Conference action next Friday, October 16. The match with Bay Area rival Santa Clara kicks off at 5:00 PM, followed by a men’s game with Portland at 7:30 PM.