ASHLAND, Ohio– The Drury Panthers battled back to force overtime, but their Cinderella season came to a close in the second round of the NCAA-II Tournament on Saturday in a 3-2 loss to Saginaw Valley State in Ashland, Ohio.
 
The Cardinals had a 1-0 lead at halftime on the strength of Sarah Fredrick's goal in the 29^th minute. Drury evened the game in the 54^th minute. Tara Simon, named Freshman of the Year in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, scored her fifth goal of the year to tie the game.
 
Saginaw Valley State reclaimed the lead in the 71^st minute on Stephanie Strong's 14^th goal of the year, but the Panthers countered again as Andrea Carmargo tied the game at 2-2 on an assist from Keeley Combs in the 77^th minute. The goal was Carmargo's third of the season.
 
Nearly eight minutes into overtime, Gabby Green scored on a free kick from just outside the penalty area, giving the Cardinals the win, 3-2.
 
The Panthers finished the year 16-5-1, while Saginaw Valley State advances to the third round with a 14-6-3 record. Drury was appearing in their first NCAA-II Tournament since 2007, and their 16 wins this season were the most for the program in 14 years.  
 
NCAA-II Midwest Regional Quarterfinals
In Ashland, Ohio
#7 DRURY 1  #2 Ashland 0 (2OT)
#6 Saginaw Valley St. 0 #3 Ferris St. 0 (2OT, SVSU wins on PK's 3-0)
In Allendale, Mich.
#5 Indianapolis 3  #4 McKendree 2
#1 Grand Valley St. 2  #8 Cedarville 1
 
NCAA-II Midwest Regional Semifinals
In Ashland, Ohio
#6 Saginaw Valley St. 3  #7 DRURY 2 (OT)
In Allendale, Mich.
#1 Grand Valley St. 5  #5 Indianapolis 0
 
 
 
#allweDUiswin