Wheaton, Ill. - The Wheaton College women's soccer team played to a 0-0 tie versus Illinois Wesleyan University in the CCIW Tournament Championship on Saturday. The Titans earned the automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament via penalty kicks 3-1.

The Thunder run its record to 18-2-1 while the Titans are now 16-1-3 on the year.

The Titans came out of the gate aggressive with pressure on both offense and defense, maintaining good ball possession from the onset. Solid defense kept both teams off the board in the half, although not due to lack of opportunities.

Illinois Wesleyan's best chances to score came in the 21st minute on a top-shelf shot that Wheaton goalie Maddie Allen punched out in leaping fashion. The Titans again had an opportunity off a free kick just outside the box in the 40th minute, but Allen was there again in good position to save the flick-on header.

Wheaton had plenty of its own chances to get on the board as well. Brittany Bergh hit the crossbar in the 35th minute and shortly after, Ali Kopelman was stonewalled in a one-on-one chance with IWU keeper Alli Novak in the box.

The second half was dominated by the Thunder, who kept creating breakaway after breakaway in IWU's half. Wheaton's midfield pressure helped control possession and created a bevy of runs. Several forays were made into the box, and the Thunder came within inches of putting the ball in. But on four different occassions, Novak made crucial saves on the goal line on point-blank chances.

Both teams remained scoreless through both overtimes, which ended the game in a 0-0 tie. However, the CCIW Tournament Title and automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament would need to be decided in a penalty kick shootout. The Titans came away with the 3-1 advantage in the PKs.

The Thunder had a 25-14 shot advantage, including 18-7 in shots on goal. Both teams earned three corner kicks. Allen made seven saves while Novak tallied 18.

The Thunder will likely receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament. The NCAA pairings announcement will be made on Monday at 8 AM (CST) at www.ncaa.com.