PENSACOLA, Fla. - The first match of the tournament needed a shootout to decide who moves on to the quarterfinals Thursday, Dec. 4. Truett McConnell (Ga.) and Grace (Ind.) battled to a 1-1 draw after double overtime, with the Lady Bears prevailing 4-2 in a penalty shootout.

Truett McConnell struck first, with Isabella Hodson capitalizing on a one-time rocket in the 4th minute. GC responded late in the second half when Audrey Abel, assisted by Cassidy Felger, equalized in the 79th minute. Late in the second half, neither team was short on chances, but the deadlock held through both overtime periods.

Both teams recorded six shots on goal. The Lancers had a significant advantage in total shots, tallying 23 compared to TMU's 10. Truett McConnell's goalkeeper, Danica Wittmann, and Grace's Ivy Cline both made five saves, keeping their respective teams in the match.

In the penalty shootout, the Lady Bears held their nerves, with Isabella Hodson, Erin Ward, Nela Sechterova, and Annabel Trauschke converting their spot-kicks. The Lancers managed to score only two penalties, with successful attempts by Rosalie Gefrorer and Heidi Kever.

TMU now awaits the winner of the next match between William Carey (Miss.) and Embry-Riddle (Ariz.).