ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – Regulation was not enough for the #4 University of Tennessee Southern women's soccer team to blow by #1 William Carey 5-4 in PKs.

William Carey (22-1) stunned the Firehawks off A set piece just minutes into the game. NAIA leading goal scorer, Keito Ido would answer just 3 minutes later from the assist of Yuki Watari. Just seven minutes later, Adisa Amang would bury a shot deep into the net to hoist the Firehawks out front 2-1. In the 31^st minute WCU would charge back on an unassisted goal by Ana Paula Santos. Nine minutes later the Crusaders would jump back in front on goal from Laia Sedo. Both teams would have 10 shots in the opening half.

In the second half, the tempo of the game shifted to a defensive battle. Both teams would trade shots, but could not find the nylon. In the 70^th minute Estelle Badoedana Ekada would bring things all square from the Amang helper. At the end of regulation WCU held a 24-23 shot advantage.

In both overtime periods neither team could find the golden opportunity to end the match. The final shot total would favor the Crusaders 32-24.

In penalty kicks this epic of a match couldn't be settled in just five. WCU would blaze their first three chances while the Firehawks would connect on shots two and three. Gabby Kennedy would come up with two big saves to setup a chance for Lily Fisk to grant the Firehawks wish of a third "red banner".

"Full credit to William Carey, they are an incredible team and coaching staff," said Coach Will Austin. "That game was epic and both teams put on a brilliant display for the fans. I couldn't be prouder of our squad for finally adding a third star after 14 long years. Special shout out to Lily for clearing the ball off the line and scoring the winning penalty. Special shout out to Gabby for saving two penalties. What a way for them to end their college years!"

UTS (23-1) brings home their third national championship, winning in 2005 and 2007. William Carey finishes in the runner-up spot for the second consecutive year.

Watari was named Championship Most Valuable Player, Amang was named Most Outstanding Offensive Player and Veronica Herrera from WCU was named Most Outstanding Defensive Player. Here is the All-Tournament Team:

Goalkeeper – Gabby Kennedy, Tennessee Southern

Defender – Veronica Herrera, William Carey (Miss.)

Defender – Laura Riesnbeck, Central Methodist (Mo.)

Defender – Laurie Potvin, William Carey

Defender – Carly Moss, Oregon Tech

Midfielder – Ana Paula Santos, William Carey (Miss.)

Midfielder – Yuki Watari, Tennessee Southern

Midfielder – Sandra Jackson, Central Methodist (Mo.)

Midfielder – Andrea Villar, Central Methodist (Mo.)

Forward – Keito Ido, Tennessee Southern

Forward – Adisa Amang, Tennessee Southern

Forward – Estelle Badoedana Ekada, Tennessee Southern

Forward – Mehana Ortiz, Oregon Tech