BETHANY, Okla. — Southwestern Christian University is Florida-bound. Even after a tough 2–1 loss to Wayland Baptist on Friday, the Lady Eagles have earned an At-Large bid to the NCCAA National Tournament, held December 1–6 in Kissimmee.
SCU (12–6–1) battled throughout the match, outshooting WBU 10–7 and creating several strong chances, especially in the second half. Wayland Baptist scored once in the first half and again early in the second to go up 2–0, but SCU continued to press.
The Eagles cut the lead to 2–1 in the 65th minute when Aven DeFalco scored off an assist from Abbigail Johnson. Johnson led SCU with five shots and was a constant threat in the attack.
Goalkeeper Lorelai Puglisi made two saves, and the SCU defense tightened up late, allowing only two WBU shots in the final 35 minutes. SCU also came inches away from tying the match, hitting the crossbar three times in the second half.
Despite the loss, the Eagles' strong season earned them an at-large selection, giving them a chance to compete for a national championship.
SCU begins play at the NCCAA National Tournament on December 1 in Kissimmee, Florida.