By Ryan Tarletsky, sophomore

The first round of the playoffs brought the sixth place Bethel Threshers (7-10-1) to Austin-Adair Stadium Friday night to take on the third place Friends Falcons (8-8-2). With the weather dropping down to the low 40s, the two teams had to give it their all in this do-or-die game.

The first half belonged to the Threshers as they outshot the Falcons nine shots to four, including the first goal of the game by senior forward Nakita Menefee with 3:55 left in the first half, making the score 1-0 Bethel at half.

But as the night went on and the weather grew colder, the Falcons' offense just got hotter as the Falcons outshot the Threshers six shots to three in the second half. After missing several scoring opportunities, including a shot of the post by junior midfielder Erika Choriego, the score still 1-0 and less that 10 minutes to go, the Falcons knew it was now or never for their season. With just 1:43 seconds remaining in the game, freshman forward Lindsay Lopez capitalized on a breakaway and tied the game 1-1 for the Falcons, sending the game into overtime.

After two scoreless halves of overtime, the game was sent to penalty shots. The best of five shots would determine the winner. After the first four shots by each team, the Falcons led three to two, leaving the Threshers' last chance with senior forward Megan Schrok. Schrok went left with her shot, but junior goalkeeper Sarah Goldsmith blocked it, essentially winning the game for the Falcons.

With this victory the Falcons continue on to Salina to play second-ranked Kansas Wesleyan University at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 9.