WHITEWATER, Wis. -- Brianna Reid headed in the game-winning goal just 20 seconds into the overtime period to secure a 3-2 win for Wisconsin-Whitewater against Saint Scholastica in the first round of the NCAA Division III championship at Fiskum Field.
The weather played a major role in the game with gusts nearing 25 mph and bouts heavy rain pounding the field throughout the game.
The Warhawks used the wind to their advantage in the first half. With the wind at their backs, the Warhawks had pressure on the Saints defense for the majority of the period peppering the CSS goalie with 14 shots in the first 45 minutes. Sierra High opened the scoring for UW-W bending a corner kick into the far side of the net to give Whitewater a 1-0 lead at the 21:31 mark.
Less than two minutes after subbing into the game, Emma Guilfoil notched her second goal of the season off of a loose ball. Lauren Baugrud set everything in motion with a hard shot on goal that was knocked away by a Saints defender. The ball found the foot of Guilfoil who beat the keeper to give the Warhawks a 2-0 lead.
Switching sides after intermission, St. Scholastica had the wind to its advantage in the second half. A pass from Amy Heilman outside of the goalie box allowed Shannon Carlson to convert on her 15th goal of the season in the 69th minute of the contest.
Less than 10 minutes later, the Saints evened the score off of a free kick that was sent into the box by Carlson. Logan Williamson used her head to redirect the ball into the back of the net for her fourth goal of the season.
The Warhawks have found themselves trailing by two goals in two matches this season and have fought back to tie or win. This was the first match in which the tables were turned and UW-W gave up a 2-0 lead. In both matches when the Warhawks trailed by two goals, Reid provided the spark necessary for Whitewater's comeback. Against Wisconsin-Oshkosh in the regular season, she headed in a corner to put the Warhawks on the board. UW-W would score two more goals in the game to register the win. Later in the season, it was Reid again who used her head to bring Whitewater to within one against Illinois Wesleyan. That match would end in a tie.
Saturday provided another golden opportunity for Reid, this time for the game winner. Sierra high served the ball into the box off of a set play that Reid headed past the CSS goalkeeper for the 13th goal of the season and Warhawk win to advance to the second round of the NCAA III championship.
UW-Whitewater will face the winner of a Chicago and Capital matchup 5 p.m. Sunday at Fiskum Field.
