MILWAUKEE – Sophomore Rachael Griffin scored the golden goal just 37 seconds into overtime to lift the MSOE women's soccer team to a thrilling 5-4 victory over Aurora in the NACC Tournament Championship game Saturday afternoon at Viets Field.

The Raiders (15-6) twice trailed the Spartans (12-8-1) in the match, at 2-0 and 4-2, but came back to tie the score each time and prevail in overtime. It's MSOE's first-ever women's soccer championship and the team now earns the NACC's automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament.

After tying the score to force overtime in the 82nd minute, the Raiders wasted little time in capitalizing on their momentum. Junior Sara Travia started the decisive play by weaving through the Aurora defense and putting herself free on goal. The keeper made a strong save to deny Travia, but Griffin stormed to the far post to deposit the ball in the goal to cap the comeback.

Senior Aly Loepfe scored two goals in the match, converting two penalty kicks that tied the score each time. Travia also added a goal of her own to the winning assist.

The Spartans scored first in the 39th minute to start a mini-flurry of goals before halftime. Hannah Scahill followed up on her initial saved header with a second one that found the back of the net to make it 1-0. Nicci Bermudes then converted a penalty kick just over two minutes later for a 2-0 lead.

Travia pulled a goal back for MSOE before halftime, making a long run down the far side of the field and slotting a shot far post to cut into the lead in the 43rd minute. Then, just after halftime, Loepfe netted her first PK of the match in the 50th minute.

Aurora was not done, pulling back ahead through Kaitlin Im Hof in the 54th minute.

Travia looked to have tied the score, as her shot seemed to have crossed the goal line in the 58th minute. The referee ruled it had not crossed the line and waved off the goal. AU then capitalized on just 31 seconds later to make it 4-2 on a Samantha McLaughlin score.

A pair of Kansas sophomores gave the Raiders new life, combining on their third goal of the match. Kelsey Hailey played a long ball over the AU defense and Carly Mitus split a pair of defenders to chip the keeper from the penalty spot and make it 4-3.

Loepfe's second PK in the 82nd minute came as MSOE pushed forward in search of the equalizer, mounting several extended attacking possessions.

Aurora outshot the Raiders 30-13 in the match, settling for long shots at time to test sophomore Mary McFee in goal. She was up to the task, making 12 saves in the match to secure the win.

The win and championship continue the best season in program history, as MSOE has extended its school record for wins to 15.