In a matchup between heavyweights, the University of Mary Washington men's soccer team outlasted Christopher Newport University in sudden death penalty kicks in a shootout following a 1-1 tie through regulation and two overtime periods to win the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference Championship on Sunday morning in Salisbury, Md. The Eagles move to 10-4-3, and will advance to the NCAA Division III Tournament this weekend.

Following 89 minutes of scoreless play, the Eagles tallied a goal with just 17 seconds remaining in regulation on a score from senior Gadsoni Abel, assisted by Diego Guzman. That thrilling score was short lived however, as CNU answered with the tying goal with just two seconds left before the final horn.

The teams then battled through 20 minutes of overtime, with neither team scoring, but UMW senior goalkeeper Griffin Hemmendinger came up big with several stops in rapid fire fashion in the closing minute. 

That set up a penalty kick shootout, and the Eagles quickly went ahead aafter the first round, as Josh Kirkland found the net, and CNU's shot sailed high. The Captains connected for their next attempt while UMW's shot was saved, and the score stood tied after six rounds. In round number seven, Abel's shot was saved, but Hemmendinger came up big with a save to send the procedingss to round number eight. Senior Abel Luwis scored on his attempt, and Hemmendinger made a second consecutive save to send the Eagles to the title.

Both teams took 11 shots on the day, while CNU held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks. Hemmendinger made six saves during field play, but his two in the shootout is will be what is remembered most. 

The Eagles capture their 12th CAC/C2C Championship, and advance to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in the last five seasons. The NCAA selection show will take place on Monday at 1:30 p.m., and air live on NCAA.com.