ANKENY, Iowa - The Sabercats kept their undefeated NCCAA streak going with a 6-0 win over Providence in the NCCAA regional championship hosted by Faith Baptist Bible College. Five different Sabercats etched their names on the scoresheet, and the Sabercats are now bound for Florida and the NCCAA DII National Championships.

The Basics

• Result: Sabercats 6-0 Pilots
• Venue: Pyche Field | Faith Baptist Bible College
• Attendance: 150
• Sabercats: now 6-7-1

How it Happened

• 26' – The goals came fast and furious for the Sabercats midway through the first half. The first was the familiar connection of Audrey Risma and Alison Hernandez, as Hernandez met Risma's corner kick to head the ball into the back of the net for the opening goal of the championship game (1-0)
• 28' – Just a minute later, Bethany Wright doubled the lead when she dribbled the ball deep into the Providence box and tucked a shot into the lower left-hand corner. The goal was Wright's fourth of the season (2-0)
• 29' – Audrey Risma turned from provider to finisher just a minute after that. Risma collected the ball 30 yards out, took a touch to her favored right foot, and sent her shot beyond the reach of the goalkeeper into the bottom left corner to extend the lead in impressive fashion (3-0)
• 41' – Just before the halftime break, Risma and Hernandez reproduced their earlier feat. This time, Risma served a 40-yard free kick into the Pilots box, and Hernandez met it bravely with her head to power the ball past the Providence keeper and into the bottom-right corner to give the Sabercats breathing room entering halftime (4-0)
• 56' – Bethany Chesky brought the crowd to their feet in the second half when she ripped a shot from the top of the penalty are to the far upper corner of the net. The goal marked Chesky's fourth of the season and put the game beyond reach of the Pilots (5-0)
• 88' – Vaida Bing chose the right time to score her first goal in Sabercat colors. The sophomore chipped a shot from 25 yards out into the far corner of the net to put the proverbial icing on the cake for the Sabercats in the dying minutes (6-0)

From Coach Anderson

"We live to play another day! Our hats are off to Providence for the good competition and great start to the match, making the game difficult from the starting whistle. Big congrats to our players for their poise and patience in this pressure-filled environment. I'm especially proud of how we stuck to our brand of soccer in this 'win or go home' game. I am also delighted for our seniors, as we have earned the right to keep their final season going. Each player on our roster has committed to their own improvement and that of the team, so we can all enjoy this success together. We can now set our sights on the national tournament!"

Addendums

• With the win, the Sabercats have now won their ninth consecutive NCCAA regional title.
• Audrey Risma was named the 2016 NCCAA North Region Player of the Year. The accolade marked the third straight time the Colorado native has received the regional honor.
• Hannah Anderson, Alison Hernandez, Audrey Risma, and Amanda Walton were all named to the 2016 All-Region Team for the NCCAA North Region.

Up Next

• The Sabercats will now await their seeding for the 2016 NCCAA DII Women's Soccer National Championships in Kissimmee, Florida on November 17-19.
• Follow mbusabercats.com for further information regarding the national tournament.