GREENSBORO, N.C. – In an exciting Southern Conference Championship first-round match, the UNCG women's soccer team needed two overtimes and penalty kicks to defeat Davidson, 1-1 (4-1 in penalty kicks), Friday night at UNCG Soccer Stadium.

The Spartans connected on all four of their penalty kicks to advance into the semifinals of the 2002 Southern Conference Tournament. UNCG advances to face #1 seed Furman on Saturday at noon.

Neither team was able to produce much offense in the first half, as the two teams played to a 0-0 tie. The Spartans (7-11-2) out shot the Wildcats (8-10-2), 4-2, in the opening period. UNCG goalie Jennifer Stillman and Davidson goalie Sarah Hobert each registered two saves, as the teams spent much of the first half gaining a feel for each other.

Davidson's Leigh Anne Hoskins opened the scoring in the second half to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead. Hoskins' goal came off an assist from Deneille Erickson at the 66:51 mark of the second half.

UNCG responded in the 76th minute as Rakel Logad?ttir was awarded a penalty kick. Logad?ttir's kick rolled past the Davidson goalie and tied the match, 1-1. The score would remain tied through the remainder of regulation and both sudden death overtimes.

After the second overtime period the contest was decided on penalty kicks. UNCG's Amy Carnell scored on the opening kick, but Davidson's Stephanie Bouts answered with a goal of her own. Cheryl Stewart connected on the following kick keeping the pressure on the Wildcats. Alia Antonucci-Alter failed to connect on the ensuing kick giving UNCG the 2-1 advantage. UNCG extended the lead to 3-1, as Dacia Beachum scored on the third consecutive penalty kick. Cady Blackey then missed on her opportunity, giving UNCG a chance to win the game. Rakel Logad?ttir's penalty kick squeaked by the goalkeeper sealing the victory for the Spartans.

- UNCG -