Fayette, Mo. - The No. 1 Central Methodist Women's Soccer program won a thriller against No. 3 MidAmerica Nazarene University in the Heart Tournament Championship match, defeating the Pioneers 1-0 Friday night at Davis Field. 

With the victory, Central cements its dynasty, as the Eagles have now won four-straight Heart Tournament Titles in addition to four consecutive regular season championships. 

The Eagles join elite company, as they become only the second team in conference history to win at least four Heart Tournament Championships. 

MNU's offense provided plenty of first half pressures against the top defensive team in the Heart, firing off six first half shots compared to just two for Central. 

The Eagles' offense got rolling in the second half, doubling up MNU in second half shots 10-5. 

The game winner came off the foot of 2021 Heart Freshman of the Year Marcella Helena in the 83rd minute. Following a set piece that was deflected out past the box, the native of Minas Gerais, Brazil fired off a shot from 25 yards out. 

The low shot bounced off the left post and fell into the bottom right corner of the net to give the Eagles the 1-0 lead and ultimately the victory. 

Both sides were nearly even in offensive production, as Central finished the evening with 12 shots with seven on goal compared to 11 shots and five on goal for the Pioneers. 

Helena led the offense with three total shots, all coming on goal. Laura Riesenbeck and Jade Perrin each chipped in two shots

Sophomore goalkeeper Max De Armas Colombo played her best game as an Eagle, tallying five total saves in a full 90 minutes of action. De Armas Colombo now improves to a perfect 6-0-0 in 2022. 

Both CMU and MNU have earned automatic bids into this year's NAIA Women's Soccer National Tournament, with the first round beginning Thursday, Nov. 17. 

The NAIA will announce the NAIA National Championship qualifiers Monday, November 14 at 11:00 am. You can watch the selection show, by clicking here.

#TakeFlight