The St. Edward’s University women’s soccer team advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the second-straight season with a victory at home over Abilene Christian University in penalty kicks on Sunday.

The team’s second trip to the Sweet 16 is also the third appearance in program history.

“The main goal going into the Abilene Christian game was to outwork the opponent,” junior Kelly Servage said. “That is how we have played all year, and we knew if we could do that then we would have a great shot at winning.”

St. Edward’s took six shots-on-goal and three corner kicks in the first 20 minutes of play, and in the 21st minute Servage was able to score with an assist by senior Janae Averett, putting the Hilltoppers on the board first.

But Abilene Christian responded to that goal with a goal of their own in the 40th minute, evening the score 1-1, which remained intact at halftime.

In the second half, the defense for both teams took charge, and Servage took the only shot taken by either team in the half. With a tied score, the game headed into overtime.

Both teams had scoring opportunities in the first overtime, but neither team could capitalize. Servage attempted a shot for the Hilltoppers, but it was saved by Abilene Christian’s goalkeeper Elliott London.

During the second overtime, St. Edward’s looked for the win with two more shots, but both were unsuccessful.

The game then came down to penalty kicks – the end-of-the-game shootout that ended St. Edward’s Sweet 16 run last season in San Diego.

“We knew that there was a good chance of the game going into penalty kicks, so we had been preparing all week,” Servage said.

Freshman Rachel Murray missed the opening penalty kick for the Hilltoppers, but Abilene Christian also missed its kick, leaving both teams even. Freshman Emilia Gothe then put the second penalty kick in the back of the net for the Hilltoppers, and St. Edward’s goalkeeper Danielle Licarione came off the bench to block Abilene Christian’s second kick, giving the Hilltoppers the lead.

Both teams made their next two kicks, and senior Katy Sutton had her final kick batted away by London. The Wildcats made their final kick, tying the score yet again.

In extra penalty kicks, Servage sent her kick past the goalie, which forced Abilene Christian into a sudden death situation.

With the season on the line, Wildcat Ashley Holton’s kick bounced off the right goal post, securing the Hilltopper win.

“Of course everyone gets nervous when taking penalty kicks, but you have to remain calm and composed when you get up there,” Servage said. “Everyone who took one really stepped up and remained cool under pressure.”

Head coach Nick Cowell said that the team worked hard on penalty kicks during the week in preparation. He also praised Licarione for coming up big on saves when the team needed them the most.

“When it gets to this stage I don’t find things stressful for me, I find it stressful for the players,” Cowell said.

St. Edward’s will next take on the University of Central Missouri (19-0-0) on Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. when St. Edward’s hosts the NCAA Sweet 16 and Elite Eight.