McKayla Nevarez's goal with 2:16 left in the second overtime propelled the Culver-Stockton women's lacrosse team to a 10-9 Heart of America Athletic Conference victory over Clarke University Wednesday afternoon in Dubuque, Iowa.

The victory improves the Wildcats to 6-5 overall and 2-2 in the conference, and it guarantees C-SC a spot in the inaugural Heart postseason tournament, which is slated to begin April 19.

It almost didn't happen.

After Sopheea Vomund gave the Wildcats a 9-8 lead with 13.7 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Pride won the ensuing draw, raced down the field and forced a free position shot with three seconds left. Clarke converted the shot to send the game to extra time.

In the first three-minute overtime period, each team had a chance to end the game. C-SC had the first opportunity; however, Melanie Sanchez's free position shot was saved by the Pride goalkeeper.

Clarke also had an opportunity to win the game with a free position shot, but Wildcat goalie Jillian Vervynck made the save.

In the second overtime, C-SC's Emily Greene controlled the opening draw and the Wildcat set up the offense. Vomund found Nevarez cutting towards the goal and Nevarez found the back the net for her third goal of the game.

Sanchez and Vomund joined Nevarez with three goals in the match with Vomund adding the game-winning assist. Raina Richard notched the other goal for the Wildcats, who outshot the Pride 28-25 in the game.

C-SC was more efficient with its shots, putting 23 of their 28 shots on goal. Clarke managed to put 18 of its 25 shots on goal. Vervynck made nine saves for the winners.

The Wildcats are slated to play their regular season finale this Saturday, April 15, against Saint Ambrose University at Ellison Poulton Stadium. Game time is set for 5 p.m.