Spring Arbor Rolls Past Holy Cross in NAIA First Round

MARSHALL, Mo. – The No. 20 ranked Spring Arbor University women's soccer team opened its national tournament run in dominant fashion, rolling past Holy Cross College 5–0 on Thursday in the first round at Missouri Valley College.

The Cougars controlled the match from the opening whistle, outshooting the Saints 23–2, but carried only a 1–0 lead into halftime after forcing an own goal in the 30th minute.

Spring Arbor wasted no time breaking the match open in the second half. Karly Miller struck just 42 seconds after the restart, doubling the lead in the 46th minute, then added her second goal eight minutes later to make it 3–0. The Cougars continued to pour it on with Claire VanZanten scoring in the 76th minute and Maislin Joldersma adding another just two minutes later to cap the scoring.

Defensively, SAU was airtight once again, securing its 11th shutout of the season while posting a new season-high with five goals.

With the win, the Cougars (10-4-6) advance to the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Second Round where they will meet No. 4 Missouri Valley (16-0-4) on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. ET. The winner of the game moves on to the national tournament final site in Pensacola, Florida.