No. 4 Darton State Ends No. 13 Express Women's Soccer Season in PK Session

Jill Burkholder battles for control against a Darton State defender in the NJCAA D-I women's soccer national tournament. The sophomore midfielder had the lone penalty kick goal for the Express in a 3-1 PK loss today. Photo by Judy Loehrke/Owens Sports Information
Jill Burkholder battles for control against a Darton State defender in the NJCAA D-I women's soccer national tournament. The sophomore midfielder had the lone penalty kick goal for the Express in a 3-1 PK loss today. Photo by Judy Loehrke/Owens Sports Information
Posted: Nov 21, 2013

By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Melbourne, Fla.---No. 4 Darton State College ended the national title hopes of the No. 13 Express women's soccer team with a 3-1 penalty kick victory in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) D-I National Tournament today.

The Express, Darton State and No. 5 Butler had all tied after their three pool play matches. In order to decide who moves on to the NJCAA D-I Final Four, a one-day playoff was necessary.

While Butler won a coin flip and earned a bye, the Express and Darton State played two scoreless 10 minute periods before penalty kicks decided it.

Jessica Grindle (Northwood/Northwood, Ohio) seemed to have the best shot to score for either team early in the first overtime session, but failed to convert in front of the net.

Kendyl Christian (Clay/Oregon, Ohio) opened the penalty kick session for the Express, but she was wide on her shot. After Darton's first attempt was good, Grindle had her shot saved. Darton proceded to go up 2-0 following Grindle's miss.

The Express gained one shot back in the third round when Jill Burkholder (Bryan/Bryan, Ohio) made her shot, while Darton's shot sailed high. Haley Kreger's (Bedford/Bedford Township, Mich.) fourth round shot for the Express, however, sailed high and Darton clinched the victory with a goal on their next kick.

It was the second time the Express has been defeated in penalty kicks by Darton in the tournament. Following their win over the Express, Darton ended up losing to Butler in the finals and Butler advanced to the NJCAA D-I Final Four.

The Express finish the season 17-2-2. It marks their most wins in program history, and it's the most wins any soccer team (men's or women's) has achieved in a single season at Owens.

Notes

Today's mini-game does not count in the standings for either team. 

Today's one-day playoff was a first in NJCAA D-I soccer national tournament history - men's or women's.

We'll post a full recap of the Express women's soccer season at OwensExpress.com next week. We'll also let you know of any possible all-tournament team members that Owens gets in that recap.