MILLER CITY — Miller City’s Megan Ellerbrock was in a zone when she went to the penalty-kick line.
So, when her overtime kick found the back of the net, she didn’t realize at first the match was over.
Miller City knocked off Ottoville 1-0 in an overtime penalty-kick shootout to win the Division III sectional final Thursday.
When Ellerbrock scored on her penalty kick, the match was over. Miller City had a 3-0 PK lead on Ottoville, with the Big Green having only two shooters remaining.
Ellerbrock’s shot went off the hand of the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
“It didn’t really go where I wanted it to, if I’m being straight-up,” Ellerbrock said. “It was very stressful and I was praying. I think I had God on my side on that one.
“I didn’t know it was over, not until I heard everyone scream.’’
“We practice them once a week,” Miller City coach Kurt Rosengarten said. “And from there, I made my decision on who I wanted my first five (shooters) to be. Thankfully, I picked right.’’
The Wildcats won the PK shootout 3-0.
Miller City (15-3-1) advances to the district semifinals against Columbus Grove at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Ottoville.
“We were in this position Monday (with a PK shootout 3-2 win over Kalida),” Ottoville coach Doug German said. “Our girls gave it their all. These girls gave their heart and soul. I’m proud of each and every one of them.’’
The match was scoreless through 80 minutes of regulation, then two 15-minute, sudden-death overtime periods.
Thus, after 110 minutes, it was time to go to a PK shootout.
Miller City defender Maddie Erford went first and her shot hit just under the crossbar and came straight down.
At first, it was ruled a goal.
Then, after both officials met, the goal was waved off.
Ottoville Jessa Burgei’s shot went over the crossbar.
Next up for Miller City was defender Nicolette Inkrott who drilled her shot in the upper-right corner of the net.
Miller City led PKs, 1-0.
Ottoville Eryn Kemper took her shot and Miller City goalkeeper Liz Otto made a diving save.
Miller City’s Danica Ehlers’ shot went into the lower-right corner of the net.
Miller City, 2-0.
Paige Turnwald was next for Ottoville and her shot banged off the right post.
Ellerbrock’s shot was tipped by Ottoville goalkeeper Maddison Hoersten, but it ended up in the net to end it.
For the match, Miller City outshot Ottoville 11-5.
Otto had four saves for Miller City.
Hoersten made eight saves for the Big Green.
Miller City dominated the regular-season match between the two teams, 3-0.
But this time, the match was fairly even most of the way.
Throughout the first half, every time Miller City brought the ball into its offensive third of the field, Ottoville had eight players clogging up the 18-yard box.
Most of the Wildcats’s shots bounced off Ottoville defenders.
“I don’t think we were getting frustrated because our last three games teams have played us like that, so we’re used it,” Rosengarten said.
German said, “That wasn’t our game plan (to pack the box with defenders), but that’s what it looked like. They had an attack and our girls knew they had to get back to help out.’’
Two great chances, one for each team, came within seconds at the 36th minute of the second half.
Ehlers dribbled into the heart of the box and pounded a shot on the goal, but Hoersten was there with the save.
Hoersten then had a quick outlet and Ottoville ran a counter attack the other way.
Kemper had a breakaway in the box and fired, but Otto made a punch save for Miller City.
“Liz (Otto) did a fantastic job tonight,” Rosengarten said.
Then, with 1:20 to go in the second OT, Ehlers took a 15-yard shot and it appeared headed into the upper-left corner of the net.
But there was Hoersten again making a leaping tip save.
“I’d take 10 like her,” German said of his goalkeeper.
Miller City’s leading scorer, Ava Rosengarten, was battling an ankle injury and saw limited time in the second half and didn’t play in either overtime.
She was scheduled to take Miller City’s final PK shot, but it wasn’t needed when Ellerbrock drilled the game-winning goal.
Tom Usher wrote this story for LimaScores.com. Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-451.