LA GRANDE, Ore. – A field that was once blanketed in snow a mere 24 hours ago became the playing field for the first-ever NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship game at Eastern Oregon University.

And what a match it was, as No. 13 Biola used a corner-kick goal early in the second half to claim a 1-0 triumph over the (RV) Mountaineers. Despite the result, a large crowd at the EOU Soccer Field got to witness the ending to one of the biggest women's soccer turnarounds in the country.

"I couldn't be prouder of the team," said head women's soccer coach Justin Wagar. "It was a great season, and I look forward to building for next year. I also want to give a shoutout to the fans and community for their support. They were awesome."

Key Performances
In her final game in her first and only season at EOU, senior forward Crystal Schuder carried the load with nine shots, including two on frame. Meanwhile, sophomore midfielder Makensie Forsyth and senior defender Allison Jordan recorded two shots on goal apiece.

Despite shooting only eight times in the game, only one paid dividends for the Eagles, as Adeline Saldana scored on a corner kick in the second half.

The Storyline
EOU (17-3-1) certainly had its chances to get on the board in the first frame, outshooting Biola 16-2 in the opening 45 minutes. Schuder was everywhere to be found for the Navy and Gold, launching five shots in the opening 17 minutes of action. 

Biola keeper Marina Rodriguez put forth her best effort to keep the game scoreless, as she registered four saves in the first half.

Hungry to get on the board, the Eagles (15-3-3) caught a break in the 57th minute when Saldana's corner kick sailed through the windy current and into the back of the net, resulting in a Biola dogpile on the right side of the field near the bench.

EOU was held to only three shots on goal in the second half, and the Eagles punched their ticket to Orange Beach, Ala., via the 1-0 victory. 

Stat of the Game
21 – Shots by EOU compared to only eight by Biola.