After a scoreless first half, MVNU (16-8-1) broke through and took a 1-0 lead in the 53rd minute when sophomore midfielder Jamie Blair played the ball to junior midfielder Nikki Bruscino (left), who found the back of the net with her fourth goal of the season. The assist was also the second of the year for Blair.

Then, with just over 10 minutes left in the match, the Lady Cougars tacked on an insurance goal as freshman forward Sarah Buehler slipped the ball to freshman forward Erin Washington for the finish and a 2-0 lead. The goal was the third of the year for Washington, while Buehler notched her third assist of the season.

That would prove to be all the scoring in the match as MVNU posted its 13th shutout of the season. Sophomore goalkeeper Jenessa Loewen and freshman goalkeeper Courtney Ball each registered a save to preserve the shutout, while Meagan Rogers and Laura Calkins combined to stop seven shots for the Eagles (13-10-1).

“I am really pleased with how our team played at the tournament this year,” said MVNU coach Jonathan Meade. “We lost a tough first round match to a good opponent in The Master’s. We showed a lot of character by bouncing right back to beat Colorado Christian and then Asbury today. We are able to take plenty of positives away from this trip. It was also nice to be able to get everyone into the match today and end the season on a high note.”

For their efforts in the tournament, junior defender Mara Hughes and sophomore forward Jessica Estep were named to the NCCAA All-National Tournament Team.