Mustangs Win Behind Kator’s Overtime PK

DETROIT, Mich.-Heading into Friday’s match, the Mustangs (6-6-2) were no stranger to close games. In fact, the match versus Rochester (6-8) was the Mustangs seventh decided by one goal or less (ties) in 14 games this season. In the closest of games, the Mustangs used an overtime PK to win a 1-0 affair at home.

The overtime victory came in the Mustangs fourth extra time contest of the 2011 campaign. To date, the Mustangs are 2-0-2 in overtime sessions. On Friday, a strong defensive effort helped propel the team to the 1-nil victory by only allowing four Warrior shots – including one shot on goal. On the offensive side, the Mustangs managed to knock around the Warrior defense for 18 shots (12 on goal) and came close to lighting up the scoreboard many times.

In the first minute, freshman Kaitlyn Vigna (China Twp., Mich./Marine City) beat the Warrior defense and seemed to have a goal lined up before missing wide left. Then, the Mustangs had three separate attempts throughout the contest that were stopped by the Warrior keeper when it looked like the ball was going to find the back of the net.

In the end, junior Sarah Kator (Royal Oak, Mich./Bishop Foley) lined up for an overtime penalty kick attempt after a hand ball foul was called in the box against the Warriors. The crafty junior beat the keeper by tucking the ball in the lower right corner to win the game for the Mustangs.

Sophomore keeper Kristen Jolly (Livonia, Mich./Clarenceville) earned the win in net after turning away the lone Warrior shot on goal.

With little time to rest, the Mustangs will turn around and travel to Grand Rapids tomorrow for a showdown with NAIA counterpart, Cornerstone University. Game time is slated for 12:00pm.