INSTITUTE, W.Va. – The No. 1 Davis & Elkins women's soccer team advanced to the Mountain East Conference Tournament semifinals after defeating No. 4 West Virginia State 3-1 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw Sunday at Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium.

The Senators will face No. 2 Fairmont State at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Fairmont, West Virginia, for a spot in the MEC championship game.

Davis & Elkins struck first in the 14th minute when Ava Sherman found the back of the net off an assist from Valeria Gabrie. The Senators carried the 1-0 advantage into halftime.

West Virginia State responded in the 78th minute when Cali Questel scored the equalizer, sending the match into overtime.

Neither team found the net in the two 10-minute overtime periods, forcing a penalty shootout to determine the winner.

The Senators converted three of their four attempts, with Laufey Steinunn Kristinsdottir, Carolyne Mathenia and Wren Garbes finding the net. Goalkeeper Riann Stevens stopped two West Virginia State attempts, including the final shot from Leila Karam, to secure the 3-1 shootout victory.

Stevens finished with nine saves in 110 minutes of action, while Sherman led the Senators with two shots on goal.

West Virginia State outshot Davis & Elkins 24-4 and held a 15-1 advantage in corner kicks, but the Senators' defensive effort and Stevens' performance kept the match level through overtime.

Davis & Elkins improved to 3-9-7 overall and 2-9-5 in conference play, while West Virginia State finished its season at 9-3-7 overall and 9-2-5 in the MEC.

The Senators return to action Wednesday, Nov. 4, when they travel to Fairmont State for the MEC Tournament semifinals. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.