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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The #2 University of Evansville women's soccer team (6-10-3) won the 2015 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championship on Sunday afternoon. The Purple Aces and #5 Loyola Ramblers (9-7-5) played to a scoreless tie before UE advanced 5-3 on penalty kicks to claim their first MVC Tournament Championship since 2008.

"I couldn't be more happy for our girls," said Evansville head women's soccer coach Krista McKendree. "Their commitment to continuing to stay the course could not have been greater. I am so thankful they get to experience this week."

Following 110 scoreless minutes of gameplay, the match went to penalty kicks where both teams made their opening attempts.

Tied at one, Evansville senior forward Kayla Smith converted her attempt to put the Purple Aces ahead. Then, UE junior goalkeeper Whitney Biggs made a game-changing, diving stop on Loyola's Mariah Vichich to maintain the advantage.

"It was a hard fought battle the entire game," added Biggs. "I can't think of a team that is more deserving of this win."

After both the Aces and Ramblers made their third and fourth round attempts, UE held a 4-3 lead going into the final round. That is when Evansville junior defender Emily Richardson bested Ramblers goalkeeper Maddie Ford to clinch the championship.

"Everyone played well and for each other," said Richardson. "You could see that and feel it on the field. I'm very proud of everyone."

This is the fifth NCAA Postseason Appearance for UE (1998, '99, '01, '08).

UE outshot Loyola 22-11 in the contest including 11-3 in overtime. Biggs, the Tournament MVP, made three saves in the contest for the team's fourth consecutive victory and her third straight shutout.

While Biggs was the MVP, three others were named to the All-Tournament Team including: Allie Arguello, Colleen Dierkes and Richardson.  Thanks to her 3.976 GPA, Bronwyn Boswell earned the Elite 18 Award.  She had a stellar meet on Sunday, totaling six shots. 

Evansville will now wait to see who their next opponent will be in the NCAA Tournament next weekend.