NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women's soccer team battled with NAIA No. 8 Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) University through most of the match before two late goals gave the Lady Tigers some breathing room as MVNU fell 3-0 in the championship game of the Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) University Classic on Saturday evening.

Elisabeth Wahl got Olivet Nazarene (2-0) on the scoreboard in the 28th minute when she scored on a shot from eight yards out off an assist from Katie Dirkse to put the Lady Tigers on top 1-0.

The score remained that way until the 72nd minute when Meghan Pipal set up Emma Reutter for a goal to extend Olivet Nazarene's lead to 2-0.

Less than six minutes later, the Lady Tigers tacked on an insurance goal to go on top 3-0 as Jessica Higer scored off an assist from Madison Kauzlarich. That would prove to be all the scoring in the match.

Olivet Nazarene held a 16-4 advantage in total shots and a 6-2 edge in shots on goal. The Lady Tigers also led 4-2 in corner kicks.

Sophomore goalie Lexus Andolino posted three saves for MVNU, while Wendy Espejel notched her second straight shutout as she posted two saves.

For their efforts in the two games of the tournament, junior defender Jackie Mourne, junior midfielder Amy Weaver, and freshman defender Casey Apple were each named to the All-Tournament Team, while senior midfielder Rachel Elder was named the tournament's Defensive Most Valuable Player.

"First of all, I would like to thank Trevecca Nazarene coach Brett Armstrong and their team for hosting this great event," said MVNU coach Daniel Seiffert. "The competition was terrific and we really appreciated their hospitality. I am very proud of our girls for the job that they did both earning their way to the championship match and for the way they put forth a strong effort in the title game."

"It was a very good experience for this young team to play the No. 8 team in the nation," Seiffert continued. "Our players battled strong and they worked hard and held (Olivet Nazarene) to one goal through the first 71 minutes. I was pleased with how we moved the ball, limited opportunites, and created a couple of chances that I wish we could have just converted. It will come, though, as we keep working."

"I'm extremely proud of our girls," said Seiffert. "We'll get back to work on Monday and get ready for our first home match on Tuesday and build from there. We are excited about it to see what all God has in store for us as we strive to keep Him first in everything we do."

The Lady Cougars are scheduled to host Ohio Christian University on Tuesday at 5 p.m. in the team's home opener.