KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Warner Women's Soccer fell in their first game of Pool Play in the NCCAA National Tournament today against the number 1 seeded Bethel University (Ind.). The Royals fought hard in the back-and-forth match-up, but could not overcome a 2 goal deficit despite finding the back of the net late in the 2nd half. 

The Royals were able to keep the Bethel Pilots at bay for the first 17 minutes of the game behind two stellar saves by Haley Van Houweling and a strong defensive performance by Yami Fuentes. The Pilots were able to break the tie during the 18th minute off the foot of Leena Thomas, scoring from a counter attack after the Royals were unable to find the back of the net a minute prior on Warner's first shot of the game from Sabrina Bouchachia. The Royals defense was able to regain their composure and enter half-time down 1-0. 

The Pilots came out aggressive to start the second half and were able to score their second goal of the game in the 47th minute from another counter attack. The Royals refused to quit after going down 2 goals and would go on to record 7 of their 9 total shots in the game during the last 35 minutes of the second half. Warner's resiliency paid off when Sabrina Bouchachia scored her 1st goal of the year during the 84th minute (83:14) of the game. The Royals would continue to push for the remaining 6 minutes, recording one more shot on goal by Bouchachia, but were unable to find a late equalizer.

The Royals will look to bounce back tomorrow in search of their first points of the Tournament when they play #4 Asbury University (Ky.) at 2:30 pm.

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Team Highlights

Goal: Sabrina Bouchachia - 1 (83:14)

Team Shots: 9 (2 on Goal)

Saves: Haley Van Houweling - 5
 

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Pool A Standings

Team	Points	Record	Goal Diff.
#1 Bethel University (Ind.)	3	1-0-0	+1
#5 University of Northwestern (Mn.)	3	1-0-0	+1
#4 Asbury University (Ky.)	0	0-1-0	-1
#8 Warner University	0	0-1-0	-1

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