MOBILE, Ala. The University of Denver women’s soccer team defeated Florida Atlantic 1-0 in a shootout in the first game of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament opening round on Wednesday morning.

 

Behind solid play in net by All-SBC goalkeeper Mackenzie Snyder (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.), who stopped two of FAU’s three penalty kick attempts in the shootout, and a game-winning goal by senior midfielder Jenna Billingsley (Littleton, Colo.), the Pioneers advanced to the semifinal round of the SBC Tournament.

 

“Mackenzie played phenomenal today,” head coach Jeff Hooker said. “After the North Texas game, we knew she had the capability to stop penalty shots, but to come out and save Florida Atlantic’s first two attempts was outstanding.”

 

Through 110 minutes of play, No. 3 Denver and No. 6 Florida Atlantic remained locked at 0-0. The Pioneers held the advantage in corner kicks at five to two, but FAU out-shot Denver nine to five in the game. Sophomore forward Mariah Johnston (Littleton, Colo.) registered three of Denver’s five shots.

 

During the game, Snyder registered four saves for Denver and added two more key stops in the shootout. Meanwhile, FAU keeper Jessica Badders had a game total of three saves.

 

When the game headed to a shootout, the Pioneers were prepared for the challenge.

 

“You always have doubts in a situation like this,” Hooker said. “But overall, we had confidence. We have pretty good shooters, and everyone on the team has a lot of faith in Mackenzie.”

 

Junior midfielder Emily Hines (Albuquerque, N.M.) and junior defender Jessi Keller (Ralston Valley, Colo.) each made their attempts, and two saves by Snyder put the Pioneers up 2-0.

 

After sophomore midfielder Katie Culp (Carlsbad, Calif.) netted Denver’s third attempt, Jannica Tjeder kept Florida Atlantic alive with the team’s first goal.

 

When Billingsley, the 2007 SBC Preseason Player of the Year and an All-SBC First Team honoree, stepped to the penalty mark for the Pioneers, the senior midfielder confidently netted the game-winner to propel DU to the SBC Tournament semifinal.

 

The University of Denver (10-5-5) will face the winner of this afternoon’s match up between No. 2 Middle Tennessee and No. 7 UALR in the SBC semifinal round Thursday, Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. Denver will then look to earn a place in the SBC Championship game and defend their 2006 SBC Tournament title.