No. 13 Women's Soccer Falls in Penalty Kick Shootout to Hastings

Marshall, Mo., (Nov. 18, 2023)- The No. 13 seed Missouri Valley College women's soccer team hosted Hastings (Neb.) in the second round of the 2023 NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Saturday afternoon inside Volney C. Ashford Stadium.  In the team's first-ever home National tournament game, the Vikings went in front early, but eventually lost in a penalty kick shootout.

The two teams traded possession through the early minutes of the first half, as Hastings put the first shot on goal with just over nine minutes played, which was saved by Freshman Goalkeeper Lola Benitez (Madrid, Spain).  The Broncos came back with another shot on goal less than one minute later, saved again by Benitez.  Missouri Valley had its first shot on goal just past the 11-minute mark, as the attempt from Sophomore Defender Marta Carrasco Mesa (Sevilla, Spain) was saved.  Hastings was unable to clear after the attempt, and Junior Forward Miriam Aldabo Alguero (Mequinenza, Spain) sent a pass towards Sophomore Forward Ashley Arribas (Lake Forest, Calif.).  Arribas got off a shot that beat the Hastings keeper, and put MVC in front, 1-1.  Six minutes after the restart, Sophomore Midfielder Judit Ferre (Barcelona, Spain) tested the Broncos keeper, who made another save.  Benitez was needed for another save midway through the half, but the Vikings held the better of possession over the next stretch of play.  Arribas came close to extending the lead at the 34-minute mark, but her shot hit off the crossbar, and Sophomore Midfielder Carla Carmona (Barcelona, Spain) had a shot saved less than two minutes later.  Missouri Valley was unable to extend its lead before the break, and went into halftime on top, 1-0.

The second half opened with a quick chance created after the restart by the Vikings, as Arribas had a shot saved.  Two minutes later, Aldabo Alguero put a shot on goal that was saved.  Benitez kept Hastings scoreless with another save in goal just over 11 minutes into the half.  Missouri Valley continued to pressure the Broncos, and put another three shots on goal, and had another attempt hit off the crossbar, but could not add another goal to its total.  Hastings eventually worked another chance, midway through the half, and scored to tie the teams at 1-1.  Ferre came back two minutes later with a shot that was saved, and both teams were unable to find a game-winner, as the contest went into overtime tied at 1-1.

The two overtime periods featured two shots on goal, both from Missouri Valley, but both attempts were saved.  With the contest still tied, the teams went into a penalty kick shootout to determine which would advance in the tournament.  Hastings made four of its attempted penalty kicks, while Missouri Valley made only one attempt.  Hastings advanced, 4-1 in the penalty kick shootout.

Arribas scored one goal, and set a program record with goal No. 20 on the season, the most in a single-season in women's soccer history at Missouri Valley.  She passes Tiffany Shaw who scored 19 goals in the 2004 season.  Arribas also ended the season with at least one goal in 13-straight games.  Aldalbo Aguero recorded her third assist.  Benitez made four saves in goal.  The Vikings held a 20-10 advantage in total shots, and a 10-4 edge in corner kicks.

Missouri Valley ends its season with a 15-4-3 overall record.  Hastings advances into the round of 16 in the National tournament with a 16-2-3 record.

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About Missouri Valley College

Known for its dynamic, richly diverse, and friendly educational environment, Missouri Valley College offers many opportunities to grow in mind, body, and spirit. Grounded in the liberal arts, undergraduate studies empower students to master interdisciplinary skills needed to succeed in a knowledge-based global society. MVC offers over 30 academic programs, study abroad program, extracurricular activities, and a wide variety of sports. The most popular majors include education and business, criminal justice and exercise science. Above all, Valley is committed to student success. For more information, call (660) 831-4000 or visit www.moval.edu.