RINDGE, N.H. – Two saves during penalty kicks by senior goalkeeper Hillevi Eklowhelped lift the No. 5 seed LIU Post women's soccer team past No. 4 seed Southern New Hampshire University during the opening round of the 2018 NCAA Division II championship at Sodexo Field on the campus of Franklin Pierce University on Friday, Nov. 9.
The East Coast Conference Goalkeeper of the Year came up huge for the Green and Gold, making three saves during regulation and the two extra time periods before stopping Allyson Patterson and Shae Roys during rounds one and three of penalty kicks. During the penalty shootout, senior Alice Schonfeldt opened round one with a converted opportunity and freshman Amanda Hjelle followed suit during round two. Fellow freshman Terese Markelund also converted her attempt during round three and after the stop by Eklow, the Green and Gold had an opportunity to clinch a spot in round two. Penmen goalkeeper Hannah Rose made a diving stop to her right against sophomore Erin O'Connor to keep Southern New Hampshire's hopes alive during round four, though junior Julia Duffy put the match away when she converted her attempt during the final round.
After a slow start during the opening 45 minutes, LIU Post came alive during the second half to take control of the match. An 11-1 advantage in shot attempts during the second period shifted momentum completely in favor of the Pioneers but the Green and Gold could not find the back of the net as Rose made five saves during the half.
Still scoreless after 90 minutes, the teams entered the first extra time period, 10 minutes of action that saw just one shot by the Ravens, albeit one that required a great diving stop by Eklow to keep the match level at 0-0. LIU Post notched two shots during the second extra time period but could not find the target, setting up the dramatic penalty kick victory.
The Pioneers advance to Sunday's second round and will take on the winner of No. 1 seed Franklin Pierce and No. 8 seed Caldwell University at 2:00 p.m. at Sodexo Field.
Provided by the LIU Post Sports Information Department.
