HALIFAX — The Nipissing Lakers women’s soccer team erased two one-goal deficits, but couldn’t complete the comeback Thursday night.
The Lakers came up short in their 2024 BMO U SPORTS Women’s Soccer Championship quarter-final, falling in a nail-biting shootout, 2-2 (4-2) to the Cape Breton Capers at Wickwire Field.
Cape Breton took an early lead in the 14th minute with a stunning unassisted goal from Lauren Rowe, who dribbled from the halfway line to score. Nipissing equalized in the 57th minute when Jessica Emmerton found the back of the net. The teams completed the 90 minutes deadlocked at one goal apiece.
Early in extra time, Cape Breton’s Grace Hannaford scored to put the Capers up 2-1. However, Nipissing fought back and forced penalties with Hannah Neville's goal in the 115th minute from a pass by Taylor Schell.
In the shootout, Cape Breton proved more proficient, converting four of their five attempts, while Nipissing netted only two.
Cape Breton's Ellie Lancaster recorded 11 saves throughout the match, while Nipissing’s Hayden Hanley tallied four.
Nipissing will face Dalhousie in a consolation game on Friday afternoon.
