Peyton Parsons, Madison White send Texas Tech soccer to Sweet 16

Tom Stone has known his lineup for penalty kicks for quite some time. In the second round of the NCAA women’s soccer tournament, a record-setting crowd of 2,346 fans went to the John Walker Soccer Complex to watch the Red Raiders face off against the Princeton Tigers. After a scoreless match that went into overtime, there was no choice but to settle things with a penalty kick shoot-out.

Both teams made their first three attempts, with Tech’s Sam Courtwright, Jillian Martinez, and Alex Kerr making successful shots. Princeton’s Zoe Markesini missed her shot, while Tech’s leading goal scorer Ashleigh Williams had her shot rejected.

Then came the pivotal moment as Madison White denied the last shot by Princeton before sophomore Peyton Parsons stepped up. Parsons, who had not scored all season, remained confident, remembered her plan, and aimed for the upper left corner of the net.

Peyton Parsons’ goal secured a 4-3 penalty-kick victory for Texas Tech, sending them to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA soccer tournament.

Coach Tom Stone commended Parsons for her resilience and toughness while Princeton head coach Sean Driscoll jokingly remarked about the enormous pressure from the record crowd. With the win, Texas Tech (16-1-5) earned a spot to play against powerhouse North Carolina, following the Tar Heels’ 1-0 victory over Alabama.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Peyton Parsons, Madison White send Texas Tech soccer to Sweet 16