COLUMBIA –The Columbia College women’s soccer team clenched their spot in the national tournament when they defeated the Park University Pirates 3-0 in the AMC Championship Final this afternoon.

Traveling to Parkville, Missouri the Cougars showed no sign of defeat as they dominated the possession from the start of the game. Outshooting Park 7-0 in the first 20 minutes after the opening whistle, the Cougars put up a fight at the Pirates defense. Lucy Kingsley almost gave the Cougars their first goal but the Park defender, Laini Brown, saved the shot to keep it tied at zero.

With just under 13 minutes to play in the first half, Molly Klein knocked the ball into the back of the net to give the Cougars a 1-0 led. The Pirates almost scored moments before the half ended but were unable to follow through. As the teams headed into halftime the Cougars were up 1-0.

The Cougars came into the second half ready to work as they scored just two minutes in with a goal from Lucy Kingsley. Kelsey Mirts brought her team up 3-0 as she dribbled past the Pirates keeper for her 14^th goal of the season. This lead was kept for the remainder of the game as the Cougars clenched their first win at Julian Field.

Six out of the 19 student-athletes selected for the Women’s Soccer First-Team All-Conference came from Columbia College. This included Taylor Hagenhoff, Jordan Poire, Laurie Frew, Tiffany Weaver, Kelsey Mirts, and Flavia Rosado. Due to her phenomenal first season with Columbia College having 14 goals and 10 assists, Mirts was named the conference Freshman of the Year. Christina Conley received an award as well being named the AMC Champions of Character Team.

The Cougars will keep on rolling as they play their first round of the NAIA National Tournament on Saturday, November 19^th. At 11 a.m. on Monday, November 14^th the NAIA will announce the tournament bracket.