CALDWELL, Idaho — For the second straight year, The College of Idaho women's soccer team is heading to the NAIA Women's Soccer Championship final site. They earned it in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.
After 110 grueling minutes ended in a 1-1 draw against The Master's University in Saturday's Second Round matchup at Simplot Stadium, the Yotes kept their composure in a penalty kick shootout, advancing 4-1 behind a heroic performance from goalkeeper Alivia Brenchley.
Brenchley, who finished with 10 saves in regulation and overtime, became the instant hero in the shootout, denying the first two TMU attempts which included a stop on NAIA's third-leading scorer Maddy Traylor. Her back-to-back saves set the tone for a flawless Yotes effort from the spot, as Alondra Osuna, Abbi Roubidoux, Gianna Yslava, and Natasja Davis all converted unsavable shots to seal the victory.
"So proud of the team. When it comes down to it, stepping up, great pens, and Liv 'wow'" Head Coach Brian Smith said of the team after the match.
The Yotes struck first just 3 min into the match when Natasja Davis buried her ninth goal of the season off a feed from Kyndra Lyons. The Mustangs answered in the 34th minute on a finish from Harmony Rohde, assisted by Traylor, but that would be the last time the Mustangs found the net.
From there, it was a defensive masterclass. Defensive standouts particularly from Ava Poyser and Shaelyn Olsen, who locked down Traylor for most of the afternoon. Despite Traylor entering with 26 goals on the year, The Yotes' back line limited her to frustration and near misses, forcing the game into extra time and ultimately penalties.
The two teams looked very similar in possession and shot count. The Yotes fired off 19 shots while the Mustangs took 17 attempts. The College of Idaho put 10 shots on frame to the Mustangs' 9.
The College of Idaho (17-2) now heads to Pensacola, Florida, for the NAIA Round of 16 on December 1, continuing a season defined by resilience and belief.
