EUGENE, Ore. – The third time was the charm. Appearing in their third consecutive CCC tournament championship game presented by U.S. Bank, the No. 5 seed Northwest University Eagles finally picked up the win, knocking off No. 1 seed and regular-season champion Eastern Oregon University, 1-0.
The first half saw plenty of action as they combatants combined for 18 shot attempts including six shots-on-goal, although neither team was able to get one between the sticks.
The game-winning goal came through in the 61st minute when Sharaya Roberts connected from point-blank range off a well-placed corner kick from Jaclyn Metz.
Only three shot attempts got off in the second half and NU’s goal was their only attempt in the final 45 minutes as the teams both tightened the screws.
Kat Sanchez picked up the shutout victory for Northwest, making four saves.
With their tournament championship, Northwest University (11-8-2) earns the second automatic berth to the NAIA National Championship tournament which will begin on November 17. Eastern Oregon (15-2-2) already claimed the first auto bid by winning the regular season crown.