The Lady Bruins moved one step closer to defending their 2015 National Title as the team defeated Trinity Baptist College 2-0 on Saturday to capture their second straight NCCAA DII South Region Championship. 

"The girls worked really hard and overcame a lot in this match," Head Coach Chris Carmichael said. "Trinity is a great team and they always give us a good fight. That's exactly what you want in a regional championship." 

The Bruins and Eagles met twice in the 2016 regular season with the Bruins winning 2-0 in Florida and 5-0 in Greenville. Entering the region playoffs, the Bruins had secured the #1 seed. The Eagles came in with the #3 seed and upset Toccoa Falls College on Thursday night to punch their ticket to the region title match. The Bruins were dealt a tough blow even before the match began as they found out their All-American striker Mimi Lozano would miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. With the region championship on the line, both teams took the pitch at Alumni Stadium.  

Both teams came out slow in the opening as each tried to gauge their opponent's pace of play. The Bruins did a good job of possessing, but were only able to generate a few looks on frame. Still, they continued to move the ball into the attacking third as they waited for the right moment. That moment came in the 17th minute as Abby Davis fed the ball to Anna Daulton and Daulton rifled a shot into the upper left corner of the net to put the Bruins on top 1-0. 

Even though they had the lead, the Bruins didn't back down and continued to pressure the Eagles net with shots. The Eagles had some chances, but the defensive line anchored by Jenny Townsend and Ally Jenkins refused to budge as the Bruins went into the break up 1-0. 

As the 2nd half began, the Bruins knew they were just one half away from their second region championship. Still, the Eagles were desperate for the equalizer as they tried to move the ball into range to put shots on frame. The Bruins countered as they were able to work the ball effectively into scoring lanes for shots. Still, the Bruins clung to a slim lead as the half continued to tick down. Sarah Herr had a bending shot just outside of the eighteen, but it was tipped over the net by Eagles' keeper Tesia Keith. 

In the 78th minute of play, Bruins midfielder Lauren Foushee put the match out of reach as she received a pass from Anna Daulton and buried it in the back of the net to give the Bruins a 2-0 lead. The Eagles tried to counter, but as the buzzer sounded the Bruins stormed the field in excitement as the team had won their second straight region crown. 

"It's a great feeling," Coach Carmichael said. "Our girls did a great job of stepping up and filling the hole without Mimi in our lineup. They gutted it out and although it wasn't the prettiest game for us we were able to come away with the win. We still have things to improve on, but we're going to get some rest and recovery and move forward." 

Anna Daulton led the team with one goal and one assist while Lauren Foushee scored her 3rd goal of the season to help the Bruins improve to 11-6 on the year. The Bruins outshot the Eagles 20-6 throughout the match while dominating in possession. With the win, the Bruins will represent the South region at the NCCAA National Tournament in mid-November. 

Before nationals, the Bruins will play two matches against Columbia International University. On November 3, the Bruins will play at CIU in Columbia, South Carolina at 5 p.m.