Written by: Clayton Hashley
 
Costa Mesa, Calif. – Northwest University beat No. 5-ranked Vanguard University in the NAIA National Women's Tournament in extra time with a score of 1-0.
 
Both teams remained scoreless throughout regulation, with Northwest's goalkeeper Kat Sanchez having to save only two shots. Northwest put three shots on goal in regulation, and finally found their winning goal in the fourth minute of extra time when a pass from Jaclyn Metz allowed Makenna Wheeler to put in the golden goal.
 
This was a huge win for the Eagles, who were not expected to beat such a nationally high-ranked team in the first round of the tournament. Impenetrable defense throughout and clutch effort at the end pushed the Eagles to victory, however. Up next, they play Cardinal Stritch University in the second round of the tournament.
 
Northwest head coach Bryan Chud commented, "We overcame a lot of adversity today with a tough travel schedule to get here. I couldn't be more proud of the girls in the way that they played and the fight they displayed. We are going to enjoy this one and look forward to going to BAMA next week!"