ST. JOSEPH, MINN. – In the MIAC semifinals on Wednesday, No. 2 Saint Benedict (12-5-2) and No. 3 St. Catherine (12-4-4) finished in a 1-1 tie but the Bennies lost in a penalty kick shootout (3-2) as the Wildcats advanced to the MIAC championship game on Saturday. 

In a defensive battle at the CSB Soccer Field on Wednesday, both teams battled the wind and tried to find offensive opportunities.

CSB, which was ranked No. 6 in the most recent NCAA DIII regional rankings, opened the scoring as Cecelia Miller gave the Bennies a 1-0 lead at the 59:24 mark of the match. She scored off an assist from Erica Golenzer, who pushed the ball toward the goal and when it bounced off the goalie, Miller was there to put in her second goal of the season.

It wasn't until the 84:55 mark that St. Catherine tied the match. Lauren Witte scored her ninth goal of the season off an assist by Kallan Tuominen.

Then the two teams battled at both ends for the remainder of regulation and two period of overtime with the defenses again dominating play. However, both teams had scoring opportunities that were turned away by solid goalkeeping and strong back line defense. In the penalty kick phase, CSB was outscored, 3-2 by the Wildcats.

Overall, CSB had a big advantage in shots, 17-7, including a 10-2 margin in the second period. In overtime, the Bennies had a 4-0 shot edge. Miller and Alli Voss led CSB with three shots. oth Abby Willenbring and Caralyn Conner had two shots with both on goal.

Lauren Witte and Kendra Lingman led St. Catherine with a pair of shots. In goal, Kate Praetz of the Wildcats played all 110 minutes and had 11 saves while allowing one goal. CSB started Annie Waters, who recorded one save in 45 minutes. In the second half and overtime, Paige Kahlmeyer had one save and allowed a single goal in 65 minutes.