Regional Champions! Eagles Headed to National Tournament

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa—For the second time in three seasons, the Faith Eagles women's soccer team is headed to the NCCAA Women's Soccer National Championships.

One year after falling to the Sabercats of Maranatha in the 2020 regional final, Faith exacted revenge with a spirited effort and a solid 90 minutes of soccer. The Eagles were sharp and crisp on offense and used their early energy to their advantage, scoring twice in the game's first 25 minutes. Abigail Speichinger got Faith on the board first with an assist from Brenna Penrod at the 14:22 mark. Penrod took things into her own hands nine minutes later with a booming kick from 60' giving the Eagles a 2-0 lead—an advantage that seemed insurmountable given the outcomes of the previous two meetings this season.

This was the third meeting of the season between the Eagles and Sabercats. Faith won the first contest, 1-0 in Ankeny, while the two teams played to a 1-1 deadlock in double overtime just a little over a week ago in Watertown, Wisconsin. Coach Barron noted his team's spacing and great overall team play as the difference today.

"We moved the ball better and spacing was better. We were able to find the gaps in their defense. They are always a tough team to play. It always helps when you get a goal early to build the confidence. It was a great team effort."

The second half didn't feature much rhythm offensively for either team, but Faith's defense held its ground for the complete game shutout and the 2-0 win. Jubilation followed as the team rushed the field to receive its championship banner and a salute from the large crowd of Eagles fans who were on hand.

"I'm proud of the ladies and how they played, said Coach Zack Barron. "We really wanted to have a heart of surrender, and an attitude of whatever happened, we would be thankful." 

The Eagles will represent Faith as one of the final four teams still standing in NCCAA Women's Division II soccer as they head for the national tournament in Kissimmee, Florida. The semifinal round will be held on Thursday, November 18, with the consolation and championship games on Saturday, November 20. Faith enters as the number three seed and will face the number two seed, Arlington Baptist University at 2:30 p.m. The number one seed is Great Lakes Christian. They face the number four seed, Trinity Baptist College, in the 12:00 game.