SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The second-ranked Trinity University women's soccer team earned a spot in the NCAA Division III National Championship match with a 2-1 victory over No. 13 Middlebury (Vt.) College Friday afternoon at Toyota Field. Box Score | Photo Gallery | Interactive Bracket
The Tigers improved to 25-0-2 with the win, and reach the NCAA Final for the first time in school history. Trinity previously reached the semifinals round in 2000 and 2002, but failed to advance both times.
Trinity struck first in the game, as senior forward Michelle Lanier netted a goal in the 19th minute of play. Emily Jorgens assisted on the play, securing her 30th assist of the season to tie the NCAA Division III single season record.
With under 15 minutes remaining in the half, Middlebury equalized on Scarlett Kirk's goal. Hannah Robinson and Adrianna Gildner combined for the assist.
With a crowd of more than 800 in the stands - most of which were cheering on the hometown Tigers - Trinity came out of the break quickly, scoring just 5:40 into the period to pull back out in front.
This time it was first-year Hannah Hommel for the Tigers, and her goal turned out to be the game-winner. Kimberly Polasek crossed a ball into the box, and Kelsey Falconeredirected that pass, where Hommel deflected it into the back of the net.
Devan Osegueda recorded four saves in the second half to keep the lead for Trinity, and she finished with five saves overall in the game. Trinity's defense was also credited for a team save.
Trinity will take on third-ranked William Smith College, which earned a 1-0 win over Capital University earlier today. The NCAA Division III Championship will kick off at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.
