MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The No. 1 Martin Methodist Women's Soccer team needed overtime, but knocked off rival Bethel (Tenn.) University just 78 seconds into the first extra period for a 2-1 victory in the semifinals of the Southern States Athletic Conference Women's Soccer Championship presented by Newk's Eatery Wednesday afternoon.

Freshman phenom Miku Sunaga corralled a pass just 68 seconds into the opening period of overtime and slotted it beyond Bethel goalkeeper Danielle Krzyzaniak to secure the win for the RedHawks (19-1).

The goal was a satisfying one for the RedHawks, who outshot the Lady Wildcats (12-6) by an 18-2 margin, but saw the fifth-seeded Lady Wildcats hang around and force the overtime period.

After the RedHawks broke for the opening goal just six minutes into the contest, the Lady Wildcats tied the match with a goal 33 seconds before halftime with a handball in the penalty area that led to a penalty kick.

The second half saw the RedHawks produce 11 shots and hold the Lady Wildcats without one, but a sound defensive strategy saw the designated visitors able to hang on and force overtime.

Bethel won the opening possession of the extra period, but the RedHawks forced a turnover and Laila Espamer worked her way outside the box and connected a through ball to Sunaga, who finished the chance and ended the contest.

With the win, the RedHawks returned to the conference title game for the first time since 2013. The RedHawks will meet No. 3 seed William Carey (Miss.) University, which defeated No. 2 seed University of Mobile (Ala.) by a 4-0 margin in Wednesday's second semifinal.

Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. at the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex in Montgomery, Alabama.