Box Score MORRIS, Minn. – After splitting the season series it would only be fitting that Tuesday's UMAC Semi Final would come down to a shootout as the Cougars (12-4-2) got passed the Bethany Lutheran Vikings 1-1 (3-2). Ally Heida converted the match winning penalty to five the Cougars a spot in the UMAC Championship.
UMAC CHAMPIONSHIP SITE
 
It was a scoreless first half but it was not a quiet one as the Cougars had great chances to get on the scoreboard. Emma LaChance hit the crossbar after the ball was tipped by the BLC keeper. Soon after that Kebra Rodgers shot was blocked with the goalie out of position it could have meant a goal for the Cougars. Later on the LaChance had another shot late in the half that was saved as it headed for the top corner of the net.
 
In the second half the Vikings nearly scored as a shot hit the crossbar in the 49^th minute. Another shot went wide minutes later as the match stayed tied. Kelsi Kolle broke that tie in the 55^th minute as Heida sent a free kick her way and Kolle was able to head it passed the Vikings keeper. In the 67^th minute the Vikings tied it up as Paige Taylor took a shot from about 20 yards out and far on the right side, the ball sailed over the keeper and into the net. It would stay tied at one through the end of regulation.
 
Neither team had great looks in the first overtime period but both keepers did make saves of a pair of shots on goal. There was a pair of chances for the Vikings in the second overtime. A shot from a tough angle nearly got under Rikki Beaver but she was able to corral before any major danger. Also right near the end of the overtime period a shot from the Vikings hit of the post and bounced back into the middle of the box but luckily for the Cougars they were able to clear before BLC took advantage.
 
In the shootout the Vikings would take first cracks. Kindra Fairburn converted on her attempt as did Christina Mollan tying it up at one.
 
Kathryn Scislow had her second attempt saved by Beaver and then Katie Kestner converted making it 2-1.
 
Beaver stopped her second straight shot as Maggie LaPlante saw her shot go saved, Kebra Rogers followed and missed as the score remained 2-1 in favor of the Cougars.
 
In the fourth round Hannah Spalding converted and Zoe Bergstrom had her shot stopped tying the shootout at two.
 
Paige Taylor's shot went wide of the net setting up Heida with a chance to win it. Heida did just that beating the keeper to her right and sending UMM in the UMAC Championship.
 
The Cougars will play St. Scholastica at 2:00 p.m. in Duluth on Saturday.