The NAIA's top-ranked team, Azusa Pacific, advanced to the NAIA Women's National Championship for the ninth straight year with a 4-0 win over Vanguard Tuesday night in the Region II final. Freshman Theresa Broad led the Cougars with two goals to give her 23 goals for the season.
Lindsey Wilson, the 2004 NAIA women's champion, beat Martin Methodist, the 2005 national champion, 3-0, to claim the Region XI championship Tuesday night and earn a place in the national championship, which will be played Nov. 15-21 in Olathe, Kan. The Blue Raiders' first goal came on an own goal in the 21st minute, and Hishamar Falconer and Kristine Pedersen added second-half goals.
Based on its final national ranking, Martin Methodist will earn one of the national tournament's six at-large bids.
Other regional champions include Concordia (Ore.), Morningside, Park, St. Xavier, Siena Heights, Tiffin, Virginia Intermont, Lee and Northwood. Two other regional finals have yet to be played.
The 13 regional champions and tournament host Park will be joined by six teams that will earn at-large bids. Based on its final national ranking, Martin Methodist will earn one of the at-large bids. The NAIA will release the 20-team tournament bracket on Sunday.