Bulldogs Win in Second Overtime

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Samford forward Sarah Wilkinson scored the game-winning goal with 1:42 left in double overtime on a takeaway in the box.

In the win, Samford (13-5-2) goalkeeper Alyssa Whitehead recorded her 33rd career shutout. It is also the Bulldogs' eighth shutout of the season.

"She is a fantastic goalkeeper, certainly one of the best in the country," said Samford head coach Todd Yelton. "She made a great save tonight, and we're glad that we can keep it going for her and the other seniors."

The teams battled back and forth on the pitch, each having several opportunities to score, but the goalkeepers took down every ball that found its way into the box. Whitehead tallied four saves, while Furman (12-8-2) goalkeeper Jessica Smith making six saves.

Furman midfielder India Robinson took a penalty kick with 2:05 left in regulation, but Whitehead saved the attempt at her feet. With 90 seconds remaining, Samford's Joy Grove's cross was caught by Smith, sending the game into its first overtime.

The Paladins led the game with 11 shots, while the Bulldogs had 10.

"It was a great match tonight," said coach Yelton. "Andrew Burr's (Furman head coach) kids played awesome. Furman was fantastic. With two minutes to go, they had a PK and Alyssa (Whitehead) made a great save. I certainly feel blessed right now."

When the fifth-seeded Paladins and the top-seeded Bulldogs met earlier in the season, that game went into double overtime as well with Samford taking the win, 2-1.

The Bulldogs remain undefeated in league play and advance to the Southern Conference championship game Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. They will play the winner of the College of Charleston and Georgia Southern game in a match to be broadcast on ESPN3.