FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – In an emotional roller coaster on Sunday, Nova Southeastern saw its NCAA Tournament run come to a close in heartbreaking fashion In front of the home crowd at the NSU Soccer Complex. The Sharks sat a mere 86 seconds away from advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history, yet a favorable break allowed Lee to even up the match in the 89^th minute before the Lady Flames eventually survived a soggy contest by advancing 3-2 on penalty kicks.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Score: Lee 1, Nova Southeastern 1 (2OT, Lee Advances 3-2 on PKs)
Records: Nova Southeastern (12-4-2), Lee (17-4-1)
Location: NSU Soccer Complex | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Both sides felt their way through the first half as the defenses controlled much of the action. Two-time Gulf South Conference player of the Year Summer Lanter nearly put the Lady Flames on the board in the 24^th minute. However, after penetrating through the Nova Southeastern defense, had her run thwarted when keeper Jordan Lentz made a diving save on a deflection to keep the match knotted at 0-0.
• The two teams combined for just nine shot attempts in a scoreless opening 45 minutes, but the match soon opened up after intermission. Just seconds into the second half, Sofia Del Stabile drilled a right-footed missile off the post and then had her rebounded chance corralled by Lee keeper Haley Gribler.
• In the 64^th minute, though, the Sharks would finally break through when Monica Orteu's free kick was flicked into the back of the net on a header by fellow senior Bailey Corbin.
• Despite relentless pressure by the Lady Flames, the 1-0 advantage would hold up until Lee saved its season with the equalizer in the 89^th minute. With Lee in possession in the box, a Nova Southeastern defender slipped on the wet surface, allowing Mia Hollingsworth to get off a shot towards net. Lentz would make the initial stop, but the rebound was cleaned up by Summer Lanter for her 19^th goal of the season.
• Without many scoring chances in either extra-time period, the match proceeded to penalty kicks, where Lentz made a pressure-packed save to keep the Sharks alive. However, trailing 3-2, Nova Southeastern's final attempt sailed high before the Lady Flames stormed the field in elation.
   

STATS OF THE NIGHT:

• Lentz's 11 saves in the match set a new career high.
• Corbin's second-half score was just the third goal surrendered by Lee in its last 10 matches.
• Lee held a 23-9 shot advantage in the contest to go along with its favorable 9-2 margin in corner kicks.
• Orteu capped the year with assists in three of her final four games.

 
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• Sunday marked the final career match for the Sharks' three seniors, Corbin, Lentz and Orteu.
• Lee will now move on to face West Florida in the South Region final next Friday.