CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The No. 4 seed SIUE women's soccer team closed out its season Sunday, falling 3-2 in a penalty shootout against No. 6 seed Belmont in the Championship of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.

"I'm heartbroken for our team," commented Head SIUE Women's Soccer Coach Derek Burton. "For the season to end with our ultimate goal within reach and coming up short is the worst feeling. I am extremely sad for this amazing group of young women."

The Cougars finish the season with a 10-5-5 (5-2-3 OVC) record.

"The game itself was frustrating," Burton said. "We had great stretches and definitely had our scoring chances throughout. It just wasn't our day today and that is unfortunate."

SIUE had a few good looks on goal in the first half.

The score was tied 0-0 going into halftime. SIUE outshot the Bruins 9-2 in the half.

It was much of the same story in the second half. Each team had a few looks on goal, but could not put one away.

The score ended 0-0 in regulation and in double overtime, penalty kicks followed.

In the shootout, SIUE made two of their five shots while Belmont made three out of five, advancing the Bruins to the NCAA Tournament.

"It is a very tough pill to swallow for many reasons, but mostly because they have given absolutely everything to each other and have been an amazing group," Burton added.

SIUE's MacKenzie Litzsinger led the team in shots with nine, with two of those being on frame.  

Goalkeeper Jensen Schoch made five saves on the day.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, coach Burton continues to applaud the team and the seniors for their leadership and dedication to the program.

"This has been one of the most enjoyable season I've had as a coach just because of the quality of the people on our team," Burton stated. "I can't say enough about how amazing this team has been. Our seniors (Alexis Royal, Becca Jostes, Courtney Benning and Allison Wendt) who are just an unbelievable group led the team. They are great teammates and genuinely caring people who really wanted nothing but success for their team. They did everything they could not just today for the team, but their entire career."