SETTING THE STAGE - The Dallas Baptist Women's Soccer Team continues play in the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament, with a semifinal match Friday versus Grace College at 11 AM. The Championship Final is slated on Saturday at 12 PM. All matches are set to be played at Austin Tindall Regional Park in Kissimmee, Florida.
 
MOST RECENT ACTION – DBU (16-6-1) carried its shutout streak into the NCCAA National Tournament, posting back-to-back victories to advance to the semifinals on Friday. The Patriots have claimed the No.1-Seed by earning the spot after defeating Palm Beach Atlantic University 1-0 and top seeded, Lee University, 3-0.
 
On Tuesday, DBU struggled to find many good shots throughout the contest, but sophomore, Dixie Kurrus, scored in her second consecutive match in the final 39 seconds to defeat PBA 1-0. Junior Kerry Edwards eclipsed the 200 save mark by bringing in three saves for the Patriots.
 
Possibly one of the best performances for Dallas Baptist came the next day, knocking off the No.1-seed Lee University 3-0. The Patriots used a trio of goals in the first half to surge ahead and controlled momentum the rest of the way.
 
Sophomore Ashley Cox, junior Megan McDermand, and senior Danielle Presley all contributed to the solid scoring effort. Edwards increased her personal best in shutouts to 15, after posting 12 in her first two seasons starting goalkeeper for the Patriots. .
 
PRESLEY FINDING STRIDE – The Flower Mound, Texas, native has put up steady numbers in her career as a Patriot, but definitely is looking to finish career on a positive note. She has displayed solid leadership for the offense, holding statistical team bests in points (40), goals (16), and shots (89). In the past nine games, Presley has netted at least one goal in seven of them, including six postseason matches. Her numbers have earned her several accolades, such as Heartland Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
 
Other Recognitions the forward has recently received include: being named Daktronics District Six All-Region First Team Forward, Second Team NSCAA All-Region Forward, First Team NCCAA All-Region Forward, Heartland Conference All-Tournament, and First Team All-Heartland Conference Forward. 
 
SCOUTING GRACE COLLEGE – A tie and victory helped Grace College gain the final seed in the NCCAA National Semifinals on Friday. The Lancers (12-6-3) were able to dominate on Wednesday after being unable to score in a double overtime stalemate Monday.
 
Leading Grace offensively against Judson was Mallory Rondeau with a pair of goals and team-high eight shots. Also finding the back of the net for the Lancers were Carianne Sobey and Emily Hickerson.
 
Carmen Barnhill worked 90 minutes as the goalkeeper and brought in four saves, while allowing one goal.
 
The lone goal for JC did occur 20 seconds after the Lancers got on the board 1-0 in the ninth minute. However Grace would tally three unanswered goals to advance.
 
Meredith Hollar is the only player for Grace to hold double figures in scoring with 11 goals on the season.    
 
OTHER SEMIFINAL MATCH-UP – The other Semifinal contest that will be going on simultaneously with DBU's match pits No.2-Seed Azusa Pacific against No.3-Seed Point Loma for a 11AM kickoff.
 
Azusa Pacific edged Houghton 2-1 on Tuesday and then shutout Trinity Christian 3-0 on Wednesday to punch its ticket in the Final Four. The Cougar(14-3-1) outshot their opponent 23-3 in the victory, and keep their bid for the program's first national championship since 1998 alive.
 
Leading Azusa Pacific in scoring was Katelyn Rogers, who scored the game-winning goal in both NCCAA National Tournament matches. Alyx Williams and Allyn Brown also contributed goals in Wednesday's win.
 
On the other side of the pitch, Point Loma earned the No. 3-Seed after its three-goal victory on Tuesday gave them four points in pool play, and enough for the NCCAA to advance them. Michaela Maes, Natalie Swift, and Kendall Boshart executed in netting a goal each in the shutout over Judson, and the squad will face a familiar foe on Friday.
 
The Sea Lions have already played Azusa Pacific twice this season, taking both games with 2-0 finals. The last victory was clutch for PLNU due to it clinching an automatic bid in the NCCAA National Tournament with a win in the NCCAA West Region Championships.
 
The winner of this match-up will play the winner of Dallas Baptist and Grace on Saturday in the NCCAA Championship.
 
WORTH NOTING
DBU placed three players on the NSCAA All-Region South Central Team.
Presley sits four goals away from 50 in her career.
Cox has 10 goals this season, the Patriots are 10-0 when she nets a score for them.
Head Coach Michelle Lenard boasts an 18-6 postseason record.
 
LIVE COVERAGE – Dallas Baptist can be followed throughout the tournament at http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/tourbeau.portal. Video and Audio are available $6.95 per broadcast or an All-Access Tournament Pass is offered for $29.95.