KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The OUAZ women's soccer team began play at the 2018 NCCAA Division I National Championship with a 2-0 win over Campbellsville on Monday afternoon at the Austin-Tindall Soccer Complex.
 
"I am very proud of the team and their collective effort today. We scored an early goal and it helped set the tone for the rest of the day," OUAZ Head Coach Skelly Kellar said after the win. "We knew that we would be tested today by a very strong Campbellsville side. They have quality players that I felt we did a good job of minimizing."
 
OUAZ (12-5-2) took an early lead when a shot from Syndee Busby hit off the crossbar to a waiting Kiiaweau Aweau for her rebound goal in the fourth minute. The goal was one of just two shots in goal in the half for the Spirit.
 
Busby would add the insurance goal for OUAZ in the 77th minute when she lobbed a shot over the keeper after a feed from Taylor Constance. The 18th goal of the season for Busby gave the Spirit a crucial two-goal differential in the pool standings.
 
Campbellsville (13-9) ended the game with an 18-15 edge in total shots, but the Spirit put nine of their chances on goal to seven shots on goal by the Tigers. Campbellsville also held a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.
 
Busby led OUAZ with seven shots and she put three on those chances on goal. Aweau added three shots – two on goal – while Breanna Brumet recorded two shots on goal.
 
Emily Kriplean notched her fifth win and fourth shutout of the year with seven saves.
 
"Chandler Schioppi did an excellent job of keeping the backline organized and she saved us a couple of times," Kellar added of his sophomore defender.
 
The win has OUAZ tied atop the Pool A table with Trinity Christian after the first day of competition. The winner of the pool plays the winner of Pool B in Saturday's championship game.
 
"Syd was dangerous as always and our bench was engaged and loud. We got a boost from the support of the men's team and they helped lift us in crucial moments," a happy Kellar added. "I am very proud of our team for earning the first-ever national tournament victory."
 
The Spirit will play their second game of pool play on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. MST against Columbia International.