WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- For the second consecutive year, the Embry-Riddle women's soccer team went to Northwood and came away with a 2-1 victory in The Sun Conference tournament finale. The No. 18 Eagles (14-2-3) earned an automatic berth into the NAIA National Championship and will play in the Opening Round on Nov. 20.  Northwood ended its season at 15-5 as TSC tournament runner-up.

The Eagles struck in the 26th minute when Martine Olsen was able to beat NU keeper Matilda Ojaniemi off a free kick taken just outside the NU box. Olsen's ball found the back of the goal to give ERAU the 1-0 lead.

Less than two minutes later, Embry-Riddle would again find the back of the net when Cecilie Henriksen was able to corral a ball off a Northwood defender after Krizzy Menez started the play with a cross from the right side. The rest of the half featured several opportunities for both squads, but neither team able to capitalize which allowed the Blue and Gold to take its 2-0 lead into the halftime break.

In the second half, the Seahawks ratcheted up their offensive pressure immediately, testing freshman goalkeeper Jennifer Grimes time after time.

NU's efforts finally paid off in the 71st minute after an Eagle defender was issued a caution for a foul right outside the Eagles' box. Sun Conference Player of the Year Helen Lynskey took the free kick and placed the ball perfectly into the right side of the goal to cut the ERAU lead to 2-1.

The Seahawks kept the pressure up, but the ERAU defense and Grimes were able to hold off the attackers and escape with the 2-1 win.

The conference tournament title is the second for the Eagles who will be making their seventh appearance in the NAIA National Tournament.