COLUMBUS, Ga. – There was never a doubt that Saturday's National Quarterfinal women's soccer match between No. 1 West Florida and No. 1 Columbus State would be a fast-paced, entertaining contest.

The two top teams in the South and Southeast Region battled for 110 minutes to a 0-0 tie. Columbus State advanced 4-3 on penalty kicks to the National Semifinal game next week that will take place in Matthews, N.C.

"We weren't going to sit back," said head coach Joe Bartlinski. "We were going to make it a shootout. They had more shots. We had more corners. Neither team was going to back down. It's not in the DNA of both teams. We were both going for it. It's why UWF and Columbus State are always at the top."

Both teams created scoring opportunities during the game which featured a back-and forth attacking style of play. Penalty kicks had to be the deciding factor between the evenly matched teams.

Both UWF and Columbus State connected on the first attempts. The Argos grabbed an early advantage in the shootout when Maciah Lipsey saved CSU's second attempt followed by a make from Bela Labovic. The Lady Cougars made the third penalty kick and then UWF found the back of the net again to maintain the one goal lead. In the fourth penalty kicks, CSU goalkeeper Heidi Harris made a save while the Lady Cougars made their shot to tie the score up at 3-3. In the final attempts, CSU scored and Harris made another save to give CSU the win.

"I'm eternally grateful for any of the girls who stepped up and took a penalty kick," Bartlinski said.

Six Argos played over 100 total minutes on the field. Even with multiple players dealing with cramps late in overtime it didn't slow the team down. After getting outshot 4-1 in the first overtime period the Argos came out firing in the second overtime despite the fatigue. West Florida got off three shots and put pressure on the CSU defense.

"Our mindset was nothing but attack," Bartlinski said. "Let's take our chances. This team leads themselves. I can give some tactical advice here and there, but the effort and motivation that the team displayed today comes from within for each of them. It's what makes them so special."

UWF finishes the 2024 season with only a single loss. The Argos went 17-1-4 with a Gulf South Conference title and an NCAA DII South Region title.

"We've had some pretty gritty teams at UWF in the past, but this team ranks right up there at the top," Bartlinski said. "I couldn't be more proud."