GOLDEN, Colo. – A terrific goal by Katy Coats with 2:19 left in regulation forced overtime, but MSU Denver was unable to upset ninth-ranked Colorado School of Mines on Wednesday as the Orediggers scored two overtime goals for a 3-2 decision in the semifinals of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Tournament.
 
Coats scored the equalizer on a free kick from about 25 yards away, depositing her shot from outside the left post to the upper right corner of the goal, making it 1-1 heading into the extra sessions.
 
Mines, however, scored just 58 seconds into the first of two extra periods, and tacked on another goal with 7:54 left in the second overtime to seal the win and advance to the tournament final.
 
"That's why people love soccer," MSU Denver coach Kat Mertz said. "Emotions are high and everything can change on a dime. We were able to get to overtime, but that's soccer and that's why it's so hard. Everyone is invested and fighting, and unfortunately we gave up an early goal.
 
"But I'm completely proud of my team, with its resiliency and its overall belief. It was a really good match on both sides. If I were watching the game as a fan, I would have been entertained."
 
The Roadrunners did get an own goal with 1:28 left as Coats' free-kick attempt was deposited into the goal by a Mines defender, but they could come no closer.

MSU Denver's best season since 2014 is likely over, despite finishing 12-4-4 for the season. The Roadrunners weren't among the top eight teams in the South Central Region in Wednesday's latest iteration of the rankings – and only six teams will advance to the regional tournament.
 
"This group of seniors, I can't say enough about them," said Mertz, in her second year as MSU Denver's head coach. "The job they've done, the passion, the competitive drive they have and just how they've raised the standard of our program.
 
"It's been unbelievable to watch them grow, to see them have fun and come out of their shells and play with confidence. I'm grateful to have been their coach and see them develop, and this group has helped me find the joy in coaching. It's been an amazing past two years."
 
Both teams put eight of their 19 shots on goal. MSU Denver had a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks. Coats was named to the all-tournament team.

The Roadrunners were issued four yellow cards to none for Mines. The first MSU Denver yellow card led to a penalty kick for the game's first goal.
 
"Sometimes the ball doesn't bounce your way out there and you have to create your luck," Mertz said. "Give Mines credit. They've been on this stage before and they know how to get to the championship game. That's the goal for our program."