FREDERICKSBURG, VA-- Playing in their third conference final since 2019, UC Santa Cruz women's soccer hung even with the top-ranked team in Division III for 110 minutes, but the cruel ending of penalty kicks didn't go their way as Christopher Newport eventually prevailed 4-2 in a shootout.

UC Santa Cruz is now 12-4-3 with their third consecutive shutout. It was just the second time a team shut out Christopher Newport this year. The Captains won their third C2C title in a row and went to 16-0-2. 

The Banana Slugs had the better chances in the first half. Chelyn Ackerman's 26th minute shot from outside the box was saved, but opened a four-minute stretch of relentless pressure by the Banana Slugs. Camille Anneet had an attempt two minutes later that was saved. One minute later, Kristi Truong had a right-footed attempt go over the bar.

The second half was more of the Banana Slugs controlling possession. The Captains had a few more chances than the first half, as goalkeeper Amelia Brown made her only save in regulation in the 49th minute. The Banana Slugs almost won in dramatic fashion with three corners in the last five minutes but couldn't get the resulting attempts on goal. Emily De Los Santos had the game's last attempt, but her shot from Eissa Quinones's corner just went over the bar as time expired.

Two Overtime periods followed, with the Banana Slugs again getting the final opportunity. Tatiana Fernandez's 109th minute header was blocked before Sydney Boyd's shot from the edge of the box fell into the goalie's hands. Penalty kicks were needed to decide, but the Banana Slugs missed their first and had to play catchup. However, the Captains hit all four before another UC Santa Cruz miss ended the exhilarating contest.

UC Santa Cruz finished with a 13-8 shot advantage in the contest. The Banana Slugs await Monday's NCAA Selection show to see if they made the NCAA Tournament.