Colorado School of Mines Athletics

Photo: Steve Slate

AUSTIN, Texas - Josh Clark's save in the sixth round of penalty kicks advanced #8 Colorado School of Mines past #14 St. Edward's and into the NCAA Sweet 16 after a scoreless draw.

The Orediggers (17-3-1) avenged an early-season loss to the Hilltoppers (15-4-2) to move into next weekend's third round, where they will face the winner of Sunday's Midwestern State-Colorado Mesa contest. The game date, time, and site will be announced on Monday.

Mines outshot SEU 12-9, including 3-2 in overtime, but a goal never came for either side. Collin Hall had three saves in 110 minutes to earn the shutout, but Josh Clark got the nod for PKs, and SEU also made a switch with William Tuffin (2 saves) giving way to Emmanuel Pardo.

There was no lack of finishing in the shootout, as both teams made their first five attempts to force sudden death. The Orediggers lined up John Haist, Nikolaus Grotz, Trevor Amann, and Ford Edwards, and fifth man David Boldt was initially saved but had a re-take after Pardo left his line early. SEU had makes from Dylan Armstrong, Pablo Covarrubias, Owain Hoskins, and Parker Fyfe.

In the sixth round, Matt Summerfield made his attempt to ensure Mines would at least get another chance, and that left it up to Nate Coons, whose attempt was stopped low by Clark for the 6-5 shootout win. 

It was only the second penalty shootout in NCAA play for Mines and first since 2005, when they drew 1-1 with Incarnate Word and advanced 4-2 on PKs. Mines was facing St. Edward's for the second time in three years in the NCAA Second Round, beating the Hilltoppers 2-1 in Golden back in 2015.