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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Emporia, Kan.. -- Once again, the No. 21-ranked Missouri Southern Lions found a way to pull out a dramatic victory late, this time on freshman Jessica Harthcock's (Boerne, Texas) third game-winning goal of the season just 2:41 into the first overtime period as the Lions defeated the Emporia State Hornets 2-1 Friday afternoon (Oct. 27). The win extends the Lions school-record unbeaten streak to 11 matches and keeps them unbeaten in their seven overtime outings this year, with a mark of 3-0-4 in the extra sessions. The Lions fell behind in the first half when Alicia Smith scored off an assist from Alisha Barranco in the 25th minute to give the Hornets a 1-0 lead that they took into halftime. The goal by Smith ended a scoreless streak of 508:51 for the Lions and goalkeeper Kaney Tyler (Topeka, Kan.), spanning seven matches. Nikki Llewellyn (O'Fallon, Mo.) changed things quickly after intermission by scoring her team-leading sixth goal of the season less than four minutes into the second half to even things at 1-1. The match remained that way until Harthcock again delivered for the Lions in overtime. Each of Harthcock's three goals this season have been game-winners for Southern. The Lions out-shot the Hornets 27-11 overall and enjoyed a dominating 16-2 edge in shot-attempts in the second half and overtime session. Llewellyn led the Lions (11-3-4, 9-1-3 MIAA) with a team and season-high nine shots, with four being on-goal. Erin Whelan recorded six shots and three shots-on-goal. Smith led the Hornets (3-14-1, 1-11-1 MIAA) with four shot-attempts. Tyler (Topeka, Kan.) was only forced to make two saves due to a stout effort from the Lions' defense, particularly in the second half. Megan Martin made eight saves for Emporia. With the win, the Lions now stand at 9-1-3 in the MIAA and have guaranteed themselves a chance to play for the conference championship Sunday afternoon (Oct. 29) at No. 15-ranked Washburn, who is currently 9-1-2 in the MIAA and 14-1-3 overall. Southern has temporarily moved into first place in the conference with 30 points, but a Washburn win at home over visiting Southwest Baptist later tonight would push the Lady Blues back into the top spot by two points. The Lions' showdown at Washburn on Sunday is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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