It nearly took 90 minutes for the Lindenwood women's soccer team, but Kat Roe scored with 45 seconds left in the second half to lead the Lady Lions past the Northeastern State RiverHawks, 1-0, on Wednesday evening in Tahlequah, Okla.

The quarterfinal match saw some of the most even play the Lady Lions have seen all season. Lindenwood had the slight edge in shots in the first half, especially attempts that made it on goal. All-MIAA honorable mention Jackie Lindner and Alyssa Houck both put a shot on goal, but neither made it past the RiverHawks keeper. Northeastern State committed five fouls in the first 45 minutes, while the Lady Lions held constant at zero.

The second half played the same as the first for most of the period. The only difference was the host RiverHawks getting more opportunities on goal, holding the 3-1 edge. The one proved to be the difference maker, however, as first-team all-MIAA senior Kat Roe ensured her season to continue by scoring her ninth goal of the season to give the Lady Lions a 1-0 lead with just 45 seconds left. The score came off a corner kick from second-team all-MIAA junior Becky Roberts, who found the foot of Roe for the game-winning goal. 

Northeastern State would not have time to respond, and the Lindenwood women's soccer program won its first postseason match since joining the NCAA and MIAA. Head coach Laurie Kaminski understands just how big of a win this was for the program. 

"Tonight was a huge win for our team and program," Kaminski said. "We will enjoy this win and moment, but [we] are looking forward to the next step."

The win marks the 10th victory of the season for the Lady Lions, and the first time the program has reached double digits since 2008. Goalkeeper Mary McGilvray posts her first shutout of the season in her first year at Lindenwood, saving four shots.

Lindenwood improves to 10-7-1 for the season, and will be on the road again for the semifinals of the MIAA tournament. At the time of release, Central Missouri led Washburn 1-0 early in the second half. The Lady Lions will play the winner of that match on Friday night. If Central Missouri wins, the Jennies will host the semifinals and championship, but if Washburn comes back victorious, Fort Hays State will have the honors to host. 

Stay tuned for the decision on who and where the Lindenwood women's soccer team will be playing Friday evening.