ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Sixth-seeded UNCP rallied back from a 2-0 deficit with a pair of goals over the last 10:05 of regulation, and then used Martin Tomter's Golden Goal just 2:04 into the first overtime period to upset third-seeded and 18th-ranked Mars Hill, 3-2, on Thursday and in the opening game of the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

Tomter connected on UNCP's (12-5-1) second shot in overtime as he united with the cross pass from senior Michael Smith for the final score of the match. With the win, the Braves have now matched the third-best finish in 20 years (NCAA Division II era) with 12 wins - the best win total during the Phil Hindson era. 

The Braves continue to make history this season as they now advance to the second round of the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament for the first time since 2004 when the squad advanced to the Final Four under former head coach Mike Schaeffer.

"It was a fantastic comeback by the guys" Hindson said. "It was just an outstanding effort. We really wanted to go after them in overtime and we did. It was theirs for the taking."

At the 79:55 mark, sophomore Matt MacDougall put Mars Hill (14-3-3) in an arduous situation as he collected the ball inside the box and, in an effort to clear the ball, the Lions' Andrews Diaz gave UNCP its first goal of the game on an own goal.

Less than six minutes later, junior Daniel Bougt notched his first goal of the season as he rebounded the ball with heart and soul on the line, and knocked the shot into the back of the net for the Equalizer that sent the match into extra minutes.

Mars Hill put the game's first goal up in the 36th minute as Felipe Ferraro sent a pass from the far post to Alex Mullen who used a header to bring the Lions forward, 1-0. The Lions pulled ahead again in the second half on Stephen Bivens' 11th goal of the season as he used one touch of the ball to send the shot into the right corner of the net on the cross pass by Gregg Munn.

"We were disappointed to be down 2-0 because we didn't think we deserved be down. We went through a lull throughout the first period, but then the guys opened the door and started creating chances. The keeper made some really good saves and they had a couple good shots off the line. Then when we got the first goal, I think the guys really sensed blood, then we got the second score, and I really thought we could win," Hindson said.

UNCP now holds a four-game unbeaten streak with the Lions including a 4-1-1 series advantage. The two squads battled to a 0-0 tie earlier this season in Mars Hill.

Junior Ryan Hanson kept a strong presence inside the box in the first half as he managed three saves in the first four shots of the game. The netminder wrapped up his 92 minutes of action with six saves, three of which were diving saves, and an additional victory to his record in goal.

The Braves spent a majority of the first half without registering a shot and, finally at the 33:42, mark senior Sean Hoek attempted the free kick after junior Brett Luccia was fouled at the top of the box. UNCP produced only two shots in the first half compared to Mars Hill's seven strikes, but the Braves used the second half to outshoot the Lions 10-9. 

Tomter and Hoek led the Braves with a team-best three shots each, while sophomore Sam Miles and Bougt chipped in two shots apiece. Shadi Harb posted a game-high seven shots, while Mullen and Ferraro both tallied three shots for Mars Hill.

MHC goalkeeper Zac Scott collected all four saves in the second half despite allowing three goals in a span of 13 minutes.

Cody Langley was awarded the only yellow card of the match as Mars Hill amassed 15 fouls, 10 of which came in the second half. UNCP committed just seven over the entire 92 minutes of action.

UNCP will now battle second-seeded and 17th-ranked Flagler (10-4-3) on Saturday in a 7 p.m. kickoff at Saints Field.