NC State Beats #8 Minnesota to Advance in NCAA Tourney

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The NC State women’s soccer team continued its historic season after advancing 4-2 on penalty kicks to down No. 8 Minnesota. It marks the first time the Pack has advanced to the second round of the NCAA Championships since 1995 and sets the Pack up for a trip to Palo Alto, Calif., next weekend to face Pepperdine in the second round.

NC State moves to 10-8-2 on the season. It was the Pack’s first time advancing on penalty kicks since 1994 when the team defeated Clemson in the opening round of the tournament.

In the penalty shootout, goalkeeper Sydney Wootten made two saves, while the Pack converted all four of its attempts.

The Pack made the most of its opportunity despite playing in windy, cold conditions. The team was also without the services of All-ACC forward Kia Rankin who is out with a day-to-day injury and is expecting to join the team in later rounds of the NCAA Tournament.

Up Next:

NC State will travel to Palo Alto, Calif., for the second and third rounds of the NCAA Championship. NC State will face Pepperdine in the second round Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Also in the regional, Stanford will face Santa Clara Friday night at 10 p.m. ET.