University of Lynchburg

Lynchburg, Va. – After playing to a 1-1 scoreline through 110 minutes of the ODAC Semifinal match, Julia Salo corralled the biggest save of her sophomore season to advance the University of Lynchburg women's soccer team into the ODAC Championship with a 5-4 advantage over Batten in Wednesday night's penalty kick showdown on Shellenberger Field.

With their performance, the Hornets booked their first trip to the title game since 2022 when Dr. Todd Olsen claimed his 17th ODAC crown as the head coach. The victory represented Lynchburg's first advancement on penalty kicks since the aforementioned ODAC Championship, when the Hornets toppled Virginia Wesleyan in Virginia Beach.

"I think it's so fun to win in penalty kicks because you get to rush the field," Olsen said. "It brings me joy that they've had that experience, and I loved the chance to do it one more time."

After enduring gut-wrenching defeats to Batten in the past two postseasons, the Hornets maintained their confidence throughout the match with a 12-6 shot advantage and eight corner kicks to Batten's one. 

While both squads created chances throughout the first 80 minutes, the Hornets struck first when Makayla Hargrove tumbled into the 18-yard box for a penalty kick. Lauren Orner marched forward for the spot kick and placed it perfectly in the bottom left corner to give Lynchburg the 1-0 lead in the 86th minute.

"I think Lauren wants to win so badly, and she has everyone believing," Olsen said. "She's a coach on the field pushing them to do things, and her will is propelling us. 

The Hornets aimed to wither away the clock with four minutes to go, although the Marlins quickly gained possession in the midfield. In the 89th minute, Batten's Alex Ortega ripped a shot from 30 yards out, which grazed the crossbar and deflected in front of the goal. Kathryn Weller gathered the rebound for an easy equalizer before normal time expired.

Entering the golden-goal overtime period, each team found an opportunity but failed to convert. Sammie Rogstad fired a pair of chances for the Hornets, while Salo saved a shot from Madison Toone in the 99th minute. 

After a brief intermission, Hannah Phillips nearly tucked a curling shot into the top corner, though she narrowly missed the far post. Lily Kuykendall offered Lynchburg's final shot of the contest, but the 1-1 scoreline remained firm throughout the overtime period.

Both squads traded goals to open the penalty kick showdown, until Salo made an acrobatic save to prevent Riley Keefe's attempt. The Hornets held onto a 4-3 lead heading into the final kick, but Ally Hopkins' shot ricocheted off the crossbar and never crossed the line.

Batten equalized to create a 4-4 penalty kick scoreline, and Rylee Wampler confidently tucked Lynchburg's next shot away. With pressure mounting, Salo dove right to save Autumn Horst's shot and ignited the celebrations as the team stormed the pitch.

"They're refusing to lose," Olsen said. "They never stopped fighting; I think that grit and leadership can propel you pretty far."

Salo made four saves in the winning effort, while the Hornets' penalty goal in normal time marked Batten's third conceded goal of the season.

Lynchburg will look to clinch its 18th ODAC title on Saturday, Nov. 7 in Lexington, Va. as the Hornets face the top-seeded Washington and Lee Generals.

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--LYN--