FOLEY, Ala. – The 12^th seed University of Tennessee Southern women's soccer opened NAIA Championship final site play with a round of 16 stalemate with Benedictine (14-4-5). UT Southern (15-4-2) weathered an early shot by the Ravens on an early shot just inside the second minute. Firehawk keeper Layken Stockstill was poised to make an incredible camera save. The Firehawks fired their first shot at the frame in the sixth, when Nao Katamoto rocketed a shot but BC's keeper was there to keep the match scoreless. The Firehawks threatened again in the 18^th minute, Marina Nawa blasted forward but couldn't slip it past the keeper. Late in the half, Benedictine began to press the Firehawks, but the stingy Firehawk defense deflected those attempts. One last big save by Stockstill in the 42^nd minute kept the match scoreless. UTS led the shot count 8-6 at the break.

BC would pick up where they left off in the opening half with another good look early in the second half but once again the UTS defense swallowed up the attempt before it could find the target. The Ravens would strike first off a deflected cross attempt. Sam Mausback dribbled the ball deep into the corner and rifled it towards the back post. Stockstill in an attempt to knock the pass out of play, unfortunately for the Firehawks it would carom into the net giving BC the 1-nil lead. Trailing with 22 minutes left, UT Southern would get numerous favorable looks but couldn't net the leveler. With seven minutes remaining in the Firehawk's season, Miran Sakai would create some space and laser one past the outstretched hands of the Raven keeper to make the match all square at one. UT Southern looked to create some Firehawk magic in the final 90 seconds on a free kick, but UTS couldn't slip the attempt into the net.  

Both teams would have excellent chances in the pair of extra periods, but neither team could claim the win in the 110-minute affair. UT Southern would lead the shot count 21-12 and would hold a 9-6 shots on goal advantage.

Heading to PKs, Benedictine would start first. On their first attempt, the Ravens shot would clank off the right post. Nawa would give UTS a 1-0 lead. Stockstill would make a pair of dazzling saves on the Ravens' second and third attempt. Katamoto and Sakai with their successful attempts would advance the Firehawks to their third straight NAIA Championship Quarterfinal.

Stockstill (12-2-3) allowed one goal and recorded five saves.

NEXT UP

The Firehawks will continue NAIA National Championship final site play on Thursday. UT Southern will face Central Methodist in the quarterfinal round. Central Methodist defeated Hastings 4-nil in today's third match. The Eagles and Firehawks will play on November 30^th at 1 p.m.

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