Bowling Green, Ky. – The # 4 ranked University of Tennessee Southern Firehawks (18-1) defeat #15 University of the Cumberlands (15-5-1) 1-0 to double down as both MSC regular season and tournament champions.

In the early going, MSC Freshman of the Year and NAIA leading scorer Keito Ido got the best of keeper Laura Vogt to tally the game winner in the 23^rd minute from the assist of Yuki Watari. UTS would lead 4-2 on shots in the first half.

In the second half Cumberlands would have three shots on the mark, but keeper Gabby Kennedy would corral each attempt to preserve the clean sheet. UTS would lead in shots 9-7 for the match, and both Vogt and Kennedy would record four saves each.

"Our players executed the game plan to perfection," Coach Will Austin said. "Our whole team defended exceptionally well and Keito gave us the moment of quality we needed to get the job done. Back-to-back clean sheets vs #16 and #15 in the country is special. Shout out to Izzy Vazquez who was a warrior at center back. I am so proud or our players for winning three conference championships within six months in the toughest conference!"

NEXT UP

The Firehawks will await the official announcement from the NAIA on who will be their opening round opponent on November 18^th. The selection show will air on Facebook Monday November 15^th at 11 am.