Kissimmee, Fla. – The Warner University Women's Soccer team capped off their 2024 campaign with spirited performances at the NCCAA National Championship Tournament, holding their own against some of the top teams in the nation.

The Royals opened pool play with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Redeemer University. Warner displayed offensive persistence, registering 10 total shots and eight corner kicks. Jessica Alejandre led the attack with four shots, while goalkeeper Haley Houweling made four crucial saves to secure the shutout. Despite controlling much of the game's tempo, the Royals couldn't find the decisive goal, and the match ended in a stalemate.

Here's what Head Coach, Payton Chitwood had to say about Day 1, "We thought we played a solid match against Reeemer who is the 2nd seed and a good start to the national tournament. We made history by getting the draw in the first match and grabbing a point right off the start, so we can be happy about that. The ladies worked hard and played well overall and deserved the draw…however we were disappointed to not get the win. It's a good thing to be hungry going into Tuesday's match against the 3rd seed! Playing TCC will be a very tough but the ladies are up for it for sure. The players played with heart and were determined and really balanced that with joy for each other- it was a great match to watch and I'm proud of them as always. Anything Good comes from the Lord so we are thankful as a group in all the small things!"

In their second game of pool play, Warner faced a tough challenge against Trinity Christian College. The Royals took an early 2-0 lead, with both goals scored by Jessica Alejandre, the first unassisted and the second assisted by Kaylee Cooper. However, Trinity Christian rallied in the second half, netting three unanswered goals to secure a 3-2 victory. Alejandre's standout performance and Houweling's two saves kept Warner in contention until the final whistle.

"I'm so proud of the ladies…great fight and performance in their last match. Unfortunately we didn't get the result that we needed. However, they have done an unbelievable job to doing the small things and doing the right things through these past 3 weeks! We've been blessed to grab the Regional Championship and have the privilege to competing at the national tournament and be one game away from being in the Final Championship Match.," said Head Coach Payton Chitwood. "We will miss those that leave greatly as seniors. Every team is different and this team has been great! I'm blessed to be a part of the program and we as a whole are thankful for the talents God gives us that we get to shine on a daily basis! These ladies are so valuable and God will continue to use them for great things."

Warner Women's Soccer concludes their season with a 4-13-2 record. Their performance at the NCCAA National Championship underscores the program's potential and sets the stage for a bright future.