COLUMBUS, Ohio -Â The Capital women's soccer team kicked off its postseason run by hosting cross-town rival Otterbein University in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Semifinals at Bernlohr Stadium.
After beating the Cardinals in their regular-season finale this past Saturday, the Comets met Otterbein once again in a thrilling rematch. Capital came away victorious, finding the back of the net in the 93rd minute to secure a 2-1 overtime win and advance to the OAC Championship.
With the victory, Capital improves to 15-3 overall, marking the program's first 15-win season since 2015.
The Comets opened the contest with an aggressive offensive presence and struck first in the 27th minute.
Payton Childers recorded her 13th goal of the season, finishing off a double assist from
Brinley Barnett and
Kristiane Kleppe to give Capital an early 1-0 advantage.
Capital continued to control the offensive momentum throughout the remainder of the first half, outshooting Otterbein 11-0 heading into the break.
The Cardinals responded early in the second half, shifting the momentum and finding the equalizer. Elaina Seif connected on a pass from Sela Anderson to even the score at 1-1.
Both teams battled through the remainder of regulation, but neither side could find the go-ahead goal, sending the contest into overtime.
Capital wasted little time applying pressure in the extra period. Just three and a half minutes into overtime, the Comets delivered the game-winner off a corner kick.
After Childers knocked the ball down,
Sarah Kelly fired a shot that was redirected into the path of
Megan Foulke, who finished to the back of the net for the golden goal. Kelly was credited with the assist, sending Capital into the OAC Championship game.
The Comets finished the contest with a commanding 20-5 advantage in shots, including a 13-2 edge in shots on goal. Goalkeeper
Lauren Hinshaw anchored the defensive effort, recording two saves as Capital's back line helped limit Otterbein's offensive opportunities.
Up Next
With the semifinal victory, Capital now turns its attention to the OAC Championship, where the Comets will travel to Ada, Ohio, to face top-seeded Ohio Northern on Sunday. The Polar Bears handed Capital its lone conference loss during the regular season, setting up a highly anticipated rematch with the conference championship on the line.
The appearance marks Capital's first trip to the OAC Championship since 2022, when the Comets also faced Ohio Northern. Sunday's championship game time is still to be determined.
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