CHARLESTON, S.C. — After advancing to the semifinals of the Big South Conference Tournament yesterday with a 4-3 shootout victory over Radford, the tables were turned on Coastal Carolina University's women's soccer squad as top-seeded Elon advanced 4-3 in a shootout.

The shootout came after a 1-1 tie through 120 minutes of action. Coastal Carolina (5-12-3) grabbed a 1-0 halftime lead on a goal by Marisa Kovacs. Kovacs scored at the 25:11 mark of the half on an assist from Jill Delano.

Elon (9-8-1), playing with more spring in their step in the second half, tied the match on Marissa Venuti’s goal at the 59:20 mark of the contest. Elon threatened several other times in the second half, finishing regulation with a 24-9 edge in shots.

Neither team scored in two overtimes, forcing the shootout. In the shootout, neither team scored on their first attempt. Elon’s Mackenzie Sisson gave the Phoenix a 1-0 lead, but Coastal’s Leah Barrett evened the shootout with a goal. After an Elon miss, Coastal took a 2-1 lead on Jennifer Tafel’s goal, but Elon tied the shootout at two on a goal by Jane Williams.

Elon keeper Kara Zagol stopped a shot by Coastal’s Jill Ortiz and Elon took a 3-2 lead on Venuti’s goal. Coastal tied the shootout again, at three, on a goal by Becky Smrz. After Elon grabbed a 4-3 lead on Laura Fogg’s goal, Coastal’s Kovac's attempt to tie was wide, ending the match.

Coastal Carolina keeper Candice Doten recorded 14 saves, while Zagol recorded three saves.

Elon advances to the tournament finals for the third consecutive year. The Phoenix won the championship in 1999 before losing to Liberty in last year’s finals.