On the biggest stage of the season, the Bob Jones University women's soccer team delivered a complete team performance, defeating #2 Southwestern Adventist University 2-0 on Friday afternoon at the Austin-Tindall Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Florida to claim the 2025 NCCAA Division II Women's Soccer National Championship.

Both Bob Jones and Southwestern Adventist University entered Friday's title match after shutting out each of their opponents in pool play to open the national tournament. Today's game marked the fourth meeting between the top-two seeded programs. 

As today's game got underway, the Bruins looked to attack early. Bob Jones grabbed momentum in the 20th minute when Shannon Miller opened the scoring as Myleigh Shaw crossed the ball to Miller, who slotted home the finish to give BJU a 1-0 lead.

The Bruins had another good look in the 27th minute as Annabelle Gaddis sent the ball towards the net off of a free kick by Hartzler, but her shot went wide. Minutes later, Francesca Aurednik had a great run down the field, but her goal attempt was shut down by the Knights.
 
With just under 10 minutes left in the opening half, Southwestern Adventist had their best look in the first half, but goalkeeper Margaret Cummings made the save. 

At the end of 45 minutes of play, the 1-0 lead for the Bruins held strong. 

A minute into the second half of action, the Bruins nearly doubled the lead with a close range scoring chance, but the Knights kept the ball out of the net to keep the 1-0 score intact. 

Bob Jones continued to pressure. They were awarded with another goal in the 87th minute as Shaw collected the ball at midfield and passed it forward to Aurednik whose finish pushed the lead to 2-0 and secured the championship for Bob Jones. 

With the 2-0 victory, the Bob Jones University Bruins clinched their third-straight NCCAA DII National Championship and eighth in program history. 

"What an amazing game and even more amazing team," said Head Coach Chris Carmichael. "To God be the glory for all that He has done for our team. We experienced every bit of the highs and the lows this season, but despite the challenges, the team always stayed behind each other and never stopped working extremely hard in training to get this opportunity to win a national championship. We couldn't have done it without such an amazing group of talented players. Every single player, coach, and manager contributed to this national championship win, and I have been truly blessed to be their coach."

He continued saying, "I am eternally grateful to our seniors as they were amazing and no doubt have left a huge positive footprint on our program, and there is no way we can directly fill the void they are leaving. The entire team has been blessed by their leadership, and we will truly miss them more than I can put into words. I'm proud of them and the entire team for finishing the race strong and on top. To God be the Glory!"

The five soccer seniors shared their thoughts on the season and today's game. 

"Our opponent came out strong, but I was really proud how the girls battled for the win," commented Myleigh Shaw. "We opened up the space to penetrate into the attacking half to put away two goals. The entire team effort was there, from defense to midfield to forward. We possessed and worked hard for the a well deserved outcome. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to play in this tournament and to have been a part of this amazing team!"

"Winning nationals 2-0 feels unreal. We came out so strong and kept the energy up the whole game," said Francesca Aurednik. "I'm just so proud of this team. I seriously love these girls so much. This was truly the best way to end my final season."

Elli Cummings said, "I am so thankful for this game. The season couldn't have ended any better! This was a hard fought win and the team really fought together for the entire game! Our defense was strong under pressure, and we scored when we needed it most!"

"I could not be more proud of this team," shared Reagan Tierney. "We fought for every ball and played our hearts out until the final whistle. I love this team and have been so blessed to be a part of it for four years!"

"This season was such a blessing," said Abby Arrowood. "It had its ups and downs, and there were definitely times I struggled to believe we could make it here, but we did! We were patient as a team and trusted our coach through the process! I couldn't be more filled with gratitude for an amazing senior season! Defense wins championships and today everyone defended well and it payed off! So grateful for this team and what it has meant to me."

At the conclusion of the match, Francesca Aurednik received the Select Golden Ball Award as she put together seven points (three goals, one assist) in four games. Aurednik was also named the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player. Aurednik joined teammates Reagan Tierney, Abby Arrowood, and Elli Cummings on the All-Tournament Team. A full list of award winners can be found here.

The 2025 women's soccer season ended with the Bruins winning six games in a row to finish the year 9-7-5.