LIVINGSTON, Ala. – West Alabama women's soccer advanced past the first round of the Gulf South Conference, outlasting West Georgia 5-4 in a penalty kick shootout at Tiger Stadium on Tuesday. The Tigers move onto the semifinal round of the tournament for the third consecutive year.

West Alabama, who moves to 10-5-2 overall, will take on the top seeded North Alabama in a rematch of last year's semifinal round in Florence, Ala. on Friday. West Georgia ends its season 9-7-2.

"We were a bit shaky with our chances through the first 90 minutes, but when our backs were against the wall we fought like warriors," said UWA head coach Graeme Orr. "When we had to show composure in the final minutes, we did. I'm extremely proud of every one of our players."

After two overtime periods and seven penalty kicks taken by each side, sophomore Haliegh McDuff netted the game-winner for the Tigers for her first goal of the season.

Issy Foster (10-5-2) totaled seven saves, including two stops in the shootout to help the Tigers advance and improve the school record to nine shutouts this season. Katie Miklausich made six saves for the Wolves through 110 minutes of action, but was replaced by Danielle Cavalcante in the shootout round.

UWA came out strong in the first half of regulation, out-shooting West Georgia 7-0. The Wolves rallied back in the second half leading the shot count 7-5. Kirsten Reilly led the Tigers 2-for-6 shots on-goal, while Cari Powell led the Wolves 2-for-3.

"It's now one down and two to go," Orr said. "Hopefully we can get a boost from this we can face UNA with our heads held high and give it a good shot."  

The semifinal round for the Tigers and UNA is slated for 7:30 p.m.