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NCAA Women’s Tournament: Rice stuns WVU, Penn State advances to Sweet 16

Photo Courtesy Penn State athletics

The second round of the 2020-21 DI women’s soccer championship is complete.

Eight teams advanced on Saturday, following the eight winners on Friday to make up the third round participants.

No. 5 WVU Shutout by Rice, 1-0 

Among the results, despite owning much of the possession and a huge advantages in shots, No. 5 overall seed West Virginia couldn’t find an elusive goal as they were shutout by Rice, 1-0, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, at WakeMed Soccer Park, in Cary, North Carolina, on Saturday.

A 74th-minute penalty kick goal from Rice’s Delaney Schultz was the difference.

Despite leading 20-1 in shots, including 11 shots in the second half, the Mountaineers (10-3-1, 7-2-0 Big 12) couldn’t overcome Rice’s second-half penalty kick goal. West Virginia also placed six shots on goal and received seven corner kick opportunities, but couldn’t manage to find the back of the net in the 90-minute contest.

“Rice definitely disrupted us, dropping everybody around the 18 and really defending on the inside,” WVU coach Nikki Izzo-Brown said. “We were a little disrupted and were forced to find different space than we normally would have. At the end of the day, we just didn’t find the back of the net despite having our chances. I have to give a lot of credit to Rice, though.”

Penn State knocks off No. 16 Vandy 

 A two-goal second half lifted the Penn State women’s soccer team (12-2-1, 9-1-1) to a 2-0 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday afternoon. Senior Kristin Schnurr and freshman Eva Alonso scored in the win to send Penn State to its fourth straight Sweet 16.

Penn State will meet #1 Florida State on May 5 at 3 p.m. for a spot in the NCAA quarterfinals.

Saturday’s Second Round Scoreboard

In Saturday’s action, No. 1 Florida State cruised into the third round, No. 9 Duke advanced to close out the early window, needing extra time to get by Arizona State. Later,

Virginia upended No. 12 BYU and No. 16 Vanderbilt before No. 6 Arkansas, No. 13 Georgetown and No. 11 Santa Clara advanced.

Here is the full list of Saturday scores:

Click or tap here for a printable bracket.

Here is the schedule for the third round. All times ET.

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John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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