FORT WORTH, Texas — North Carolina survived a penalty shootout Friday, eliminating sixth-ranked Texas Tech after a 1-1 draw in the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship at Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium.
Linda Ullmark broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, finishing off a well-worked sequence involving Bella Devey and Lauren Malsom to give the Tar Heels the lead. Texas Tech responded just three minutes later when Macy Blackburn converted Peyton Parsons' assist to level the match at 1-1.
Neither team could find a winner through the remainder of regulation or two overtime periods, forcing penalties. North Carolina outshot the Red Raiders 20-11 overall and 7-4 on target, but Texas Tech goalkeeper's six saves kept the match deadlocked through 110 minutes.
The Tar Heels' Olivia Thomas created numerous chances throughout the contest, while Blackburn and Kylie Bahr tested North Carolina's defense in the closing stages of regulation. Both teams generated opportunities in the overtime periods—Ashley Pennie and Hope Munson for UNC, Raleigh Greason for Texas Tech—but neither could break through.
North Carolina's composure from the penalty spot proved decisive, sending the Tar Heels into the next round against second-ranked TCU on November 24th. Texas Tech's season ends despite a valiant performance against the higher-seeded opponent.