A goal in the final minute of the second overtime period decided the Region I Women's Championship as the Arizona Western Lady Matadors (12-5-3) finished an incredible playoff run in heartbreaking fashion to the Paradise Valley Pumas (14-4-3) at Paradise Valley Community College Saturday.
Paola Sanchez set up Yulissa Rascon-Bandilla in the 110th minute, with just seconds to spare before penalty kicks, lifting the Pumas to their second consecutive Region I Championship.
The Matadors battled throughout putting eight shots on goal against 2nd Team All-Conference Goalkeeper Bridgett Birss.
The Lady Matadors created a number of chances in the first overtime period but Birss stood in the way.
Melanie Yanez matched the save total for the Matadors stopping eight shots of the Pumas. It was the final chance for either team that made the difference and sends Paradise Valley into the District Finals next weekend.
Arizona Western completes its third straight trip to the Region I Championship Game and extends its streak of winning seasons to seven. In other words, every season of the program's existence.
