WILKES-BARRE, Pa.– The fourth seeded Eastern University women's soccer team took the host and top-seeded Wilkes University Colonels to two overtimes before falling on a goal in the 103rd minute.

Including a tie at Wilkes ten days ago, the Eagles (7-8-4) had not lost in five overtime matches this fall. With both teams playing solid defensive matches, it seems that the match might be headed to penalty kicks, but the Colonels (13-2-3) found a slight opening and took advantage on a ball over the top. Nicolette Towlen scored her fourth goal of the year to lift Wilkes to the MAC Freedom Championship match.

While the Colonels had more of the ball and more field position throughout the opening 90 minutes, the Eagles were able to create chances through Nicole Weenink  in transition. The sophomore winger put the Wilkes back row under pressure throughout and was able to earn three corners and create a several other dangerous runs.

The corners proved to be Eastern's best chances of the evening. Amy Radcliffe got a head on the first corner of the match at the half hour mark, but she was unable to direct it toward goal.  Moments later the Colonels had their best chance of regulation. Towlen found a little space in the box and ripped a shot off the crossbar.

After dodging that chance, the Eagles kept the Colonels from putting a shot on frame throughout the remainder of regulation.

The Eagles earned a corner in the 78th minute, and Ashley Zemeskisnapped a header off a Wilkes defender for a second corner kick opportunity. Courtney Davis went to the other side and served another perfect ball into the danger area. Zemeski put a header on goal that the Wilkes' goalkeeper saved but could not hold. Alex Imperatore jumped and headed the rebound, but her attempt went just over the crossbar.

Wilkes had several other chances late, but the Eastern back row kept the Colonels from putting those chances on goal.

"I thought we played our best game of the year tonight," Head Coach Brandon West said after the loss. "We risked our hearts tonight and the ball didn't bounce our way. Our senior class did a great job leading this group. Their buy-in was incredible. This was a group that grew so much from the start to the end. Even though we did not get the result we wanted, I am very proud of this group of young women."

Adrianna Rowlands made a pair of saves in the first overtime to send the match to the second overtime.

Towlen's goal was just the seventh goal in the last eight games between the two teams.

Wilkes will host Misericordia in the MAC Freedom Championship game on Saturday.