Photo: Emily Hines

KOKOMO, IN — Brescia University women’s soccer had waited years for a moment like this. After 110 scoreless minutes against IU Kokomo, the Lady Bearcats found themselves facing another penalty shootout, with their postseason hopes resting on every attempt.

This time, the ending was different.

Brescia converted three penalty kicks and junior goalkeeper Laura Thompson came up with three shootout saves as the fifth-seeded Lady Bearcats defeated No. 4 IU Kokomo 3-2 in penalties Wednesday night, advancing to the River States Conference Tournament semifinals for the first time in program history.

The victory was more than a postseason advancement. It marked another step forward for a program that has continued to raise its expectations and build a culture its players are proud to represent.

Thompson Keeps Brescia in the Fight

The opening-round matchup was a physical, demanding battle from the start. Neither team found a way through the opposing defense during regulation, and the deadlock continued through two 10-minute overtime periods.

IU Kokomo created more opportunities, finishing with a 20-12 advantage in total shots and putting 12 attempts on goal. Brescia managed five shots on target, but the Lady Bearcats had an answer in goal.

Thompson turned away all 12 shots on goal during the 110 minutes of play, keeping IU Kokomo off the scoreboard and giving Brescia the opportunity to decide the match in a shootout.

The defensive effort required contributions throughout the lineup. Brescia faced a Cougars attack that continued to apply pressure, but the Lady Bearcats remained organized and refused to let the match get away from them.

By the end of the second overtime, neither side had scored. For Brescia, the next challenge was one the program knew all too well.

A Different Ending in the Shootout

A year earlier, Brescia’s postseason run had ended in a penalty shootout. This time, the Lady Bearcats had another opportunity to change that outcome.

The shootout delivered.

Nike Henschel converted Brescia’s opening attempt, while Allana Colen Porto and Lillian Garcia also found the net. Thompson added three saves against IU Kokomo’s seven attempts, helping Brescia secure the 3-2 shootout victory.

The win sent the Lady Bearcats into celebration and secured a place in the conference semifinals.

For a team that had experienced the disappointment of a shootout loss the previous season, Wednesday’s result carried even greater meaning.

More Than a Win for the Program

Head coach Andy Hines said the achievement represents a special moment for Brescia women’s soccer. The program had never advanced in the River States Conference Tournament before Wednesday, and this season marked only its third postseason appearance in the conference.

It also marked the second consecutive year Brescia had qualified for the tournament, something the program had never accomplished before.

Hines acknowledged that the performance was not necessarily the team’s best, but he was proud of how the players responded as the match progressed. Brescia entered the game dealing with suspensions, illness and lineup challenges, forcing players to step into unfamiliar roles and take on additional responsibilities.

Rather than make excuses, Hines said, the players found ways to compete for one another.

One moment in particular stood out to him. Some Brescia players who were not available to play traveled more than four hours simply to sit in the stands and support their teammates.

For Hines, that kind of commitment says as much about the program as the result itself.

He described the group as a family built through trust, relationships and the difficult moments teams experience together. Players accepted different roles, supported their teammates and continued working toward something bigger than themselves.

Hines also credited the group for helping raise the standard of the program over the past three years. Each season, he said, the players have pushed expectations higher and demonstrated that Brescia women’s soccer can compete.

The semifinal appearance is the latest evidence of that progress.

Another Challenge Awaits

Brescia’s historic run continues Saturday, November 7, when the Lady Bearcats travel to Ohio to face No. 1-seeded Rio Grande in the River States Conference Tournament semifinals. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Central.

The challenge will be another opportunity for Brescia to measure its progress against one of the conference’s top programs.

But regardless of what happens next, Wednesday’s victory has already secured a place in the program’s history.

The Lady Bearcats have reached a stage they had never reached before. They have overcome last year’s shootout disappointment, battled through adversity and shown what their team culture means when the pressure is at its highest.

As Hines put it, Brescia is no longer just making history. The program is building toward a future where success becomes the expectation.

For the Lady Bearcats, that future now includes a place in the River States Conference semifinals.

SNAPSHOT

FINAL: Brescia 0, IU Kokomo 0
SHOOTOUT: Brescia 3, IU Kokomo 2

BRESCIA RECORD ENTERING MATCH: 7-6-6 overall, 3-2-3 conference

MATCH LEADERS:
Laura Thompson — 12 saves during the match; 3 shootout saves
Nike Henschel — converted penalty kick
Allana Colen Porto — converted penalty kick
Lillian Garcia — converted penalty kick

KEY STATS:
Shots: Brescia 12, IU Kokomo 20
Shots on goal: Brescia 5, IU Kokomo 12
Saves: Brescia 12, IU Kokomo 5
Corner kicks: Brescia 2, IU Kokomo 4

PROGRAM HISTORY: First appearance in the River States Conference Tournament semifinals.

NEXT UP: No. 5 Brescia vs. No. 1 Rio Grande
River States Conference Tournament Semifinals
Saturday, November 7 | 2:30 p.m. CT
Ohio