OSU Slips By Texas In Double OT, Advances To Championship Game

For the third straight year, Oklahoma State will be playing for a Big 12 tournament championship.

The Cowgirls made it interesting once again, but proved they can win gritty, close games with a 1-0 double overtime victory against the Texas Longhorns on Friday.

OSU was the aggressor most of the game, but couldn't get any of its shots on goal to convert through the first two periods and overtime.

With just more than two minutes remaining in the second overtime, two Texas defenders hit the deck, leaving the Cowgirls with a distinct advantage in front of the Texas goal.

Miriam Rhinehart sent a pass from the sideline to the top of the box, where Kristen Kelley ripped a right-footer across her body to the far side of the goal and in.

Oklahoma State sent a number of shots toward the goal toward the end of regulation and in the first overtime before converting on one.

OSU forward Krista Lopez had three shots on goal on her own, accounting for half of her team's SOG.

The 1-0 result was not surprising considering it was the battle of the Big 12's two best goalkeepers.

Oklahoma State's AD Franch was named First Team All-Big 12 at the end of the season, while Texas goalkeeper Alexa Gaul was the second team goalkeeper.

Franch had three saves in the game to Gaul's five.

Texas finished out the season at 11-8-1, while OSU improved to 19-0-2.

The Cowgirls advance to the Big 12 tournament final where they will face the winner of the Missouri – Texas A&M game. The Championship game is set for 3:30 p.m. on Sunday and will be televised on FSN.