WEST POINT, Ga. – In thrilling fashion, Maria Diaz sent Warner University women's soccer team through to the 2015 NCCAA National Championship with a game-winning goal in overtime against Point University (Ga.) in the South Region Final on Saturday afternoon.  The goal broke a 0-0 stalemate in the 91^st minute bringing the Lady Royals' record to 8-8 overall and dropping the Skyhawks to 8-10-1 on the year.

It was a scoreless first 45 minutes as Warner's Sarah Bergkvist and Point's Natalie Brown both did not allow a goal in the first half.  Both teams recorded four shots in the opening half.

The second half saw much of the same as the Skyhawks held a narrow 8-6 shot advantage but neither team found the back of the net.  Each goalkeeper made a pair of saves in the second half.

Less than a minute into the first overtime period Warner's Tiffany Methot connected with Diaz who scored the her fourth goal of the season to send the Lady Royals into a frenzy.

"I'm extremely proud of all the ladies, each of them played a part in the tournament," said head coach George Arroyo after the game.  "It wasn't easy playing back to back matches but the ladies fought every second.  We're excited for the victories and an opportunity to head to the national tournament."

The Lady Royals totaled 11 shots in the game and were led by Jamie Murray with six.  Nicole Screnock was second on the team with three shots.

Bergkvist made four stops in a little over 90 minutes in goal for the Lady Royals as well.

The 2015 NCCAA Women's Soccer National Championship gets underway Nov. 30 and runs through Dec. 5.  All games will be played at the Austin-Tindall Soccer Complex in Kissimme, Fla.  More information, including game times and opponents, will be posted at www.warnerroyals.com as soon as they become available.  


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