WILMORE, Ky.--- On a snowy and windy Thursday conditioned evening, the Asbury women's soccer team (9-6-5, 4-2-2 CCS) defeated Ohio Christian (12-2-2) narrowly in a 0-0, 3-2 PK shootout. The win grants the Eagles the 2024 National Christian College Athletics Association (NCCAA) Mideast Region Title, and advances the team to the National Tournament.

The match's difficult weather conditions didn't deter the Eagles, as both teams battled through a snowy environment to a 0-0 deadlock extending into extra time. Senior media communications major Maliya Crump, Asbury's goalkeeper, was instrumental throughout the contest, making crucial saves and recording a shutout over the full 110 minutes of play, which propelled the game into a decisive penalty shootout.

Highlighted players from Asbury shone brightly in the shootout with notable contributions from Hannah Muncie, Reese Bolton, and Caroline Preston, each successfully netting their penalties to help advance the team into the National Tournament.

Sophomore Maggie Higdon and freshman Eva De Souza help keep the offensive pressure on in regular time. Higdon put together three SOG attempts, while De Souza netted one.

The PK sequence saw Ohio Christian netting their first two shots. AU was able to net the first of two shots, with the score coming from Hannah Muncie. Eagles goalie Maliya Crump would deflect the next two attempts, while Reese Bolton and Caroline Preston scored theirs, advancing Asbury to the 3-2 PK victory.

The victory propels AU into the NCCAA National Tournament standing with a 9-6-5 record, and will now await their seeding to see when and who they will be playing.


Asbury will now prepare for the NCCAA National Tournament in Kissimmee, FL on December 2-7 at the Austin-Tindall Sports Complex. 


"Ridiculous elements and circumstances we had tonight. A pure battle from both teams. PK's are tough in every situation, win or lose. Super proud of this group tonight and what they've done all season. Persistence, grit, trusting the process. These girls deserve it. Happy to have a front row seat to what they are doing this season!"
Zach Welch | Head Women's Soccer Coach


* Hannah Muncie | 1 PK G
* Reese Bolton | 1 PK G
* Caroline Preston | 1 PK G
* Maliya Crump | 2 PK SV
* Maggie Higdon | 3 SOG
* Eva De Souza | 1 SOG
* Maggie Perry, Lauren Davis, Maria Eagle | 110 Minutes Played