Devilettes advance to third straight SWAC title game

Box Score Box Score

Alexandria, La. -- It took nearly three hours, but Mississippi Valley State erased the memory of losing to Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the championship game of the 2011 tournament. The Devilettes earned a trip back to the finals by beating UAPB 9-8 in a shootout. UAPB ended their season at 6-14-2.

The issue would be unsettled after 90 minutes of regulation and a pair of overtime periods. MVSU was against the wall early after Kristin Swanson's attempt was saved by UAPB keeper Alyssa Cobbs. However, with the goal count tied at 3-3, MVSU keeper Shelby Willcocks gave her team new life by stopping Erica Cervantes.

Both teams made their first shots, sending the game into a sudden death 1-v-1 session. The first players on each side made their shots. Nicolle Forcier put MVSU up 9-8. Then, Casey Hogan's shot hit off the crossbar and sailed away harmlessly, igniting a wild celebration by the Devilettes.

Forcier notched the first goal of the game, re-directing a shot into the net in the 20th minute. In the second half, Boler tied the game for UAPB heading in a shot that came off of the pipe.

The win sends the Devilettes into Sunday's SWAC Championship game against Jackson State. Game time is set for 12 p.m. It'll mark the third straight year MVSU has played in the title game.

Print Friendly Version