There will be a new conference champion in men's soccer for the first time since 2017.
The three time defending MACCC champion Jones College Bobcats battled Hinds to a 1-1 draw through two overtime periods, but the Eagles advanced into the conference tournament semifinals 4-3 on penalty kicks.
The game was played Tuesday at Tom Shepherd Field on the Hinds’ campus.
Lee Hill’s (Newton County) goal just before the halftime horn, off an Elean Fajardo (Oak Grove) assist, gave Jones (11-3-1) a 1-0 lead at the break.
Hinds (7-6-1) was able to find the equalizer in the 65th minute after Carson Barefoot's slow rolling shot at the near post snuck between the legs of Garrett Wise (Madison Central).
Jones had multiple chances in the overtime periods, but just couldn't capitalize.
Into penalty kicks, Jones' first attempt sailed high over the bar and Wise made a big stop to keep it 0-0 after the first round.
Both sides made the next three kicks to make it 3-3 with one attempt remaining. Jones' attempt sailed high over the bar again and Hinds then buried its attempt to win 4-3.
The Bobcats will have to await their national tournament fate and a possible at-large berth after this weekend's MACCC Tournament.
