DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – For the second time in as many seasons, the title game of the Sunshine State Conference Women's Soccer Tournament featured Florida Tech (8-6-3) taking on Embry-Riddle at the Embry-Riddle Soccer Stadium. For the second time in as many seasons, a single goal was all the Eagles needed to prevail against the Panthers and win the tournament crown as a second-half goal by Hattie Kettle gave the Eagles the 1-0 victory.
 
The conference tournament title was the Eagles' third in a row as they joined Tampa as the only SSC women's soccer program to record a three-peat in conference tournament play since the tournament's inception in 2003.
 
First-year head coach Liam McIlhatton has guided the Blue and Gold to a 13-0-5 record and with the tournament win, ERAU has secured an automatic bid to the NCAA II Soccer Championship for the third straight year.

"Firstly, I want to say a massive congratulations to Ryan and his players," McIlhatton said. "They are a very good side who have had a great season. It was a very hard game and we knew it would be before the game. Our players have shown great desire and work ethic throughout the season. It's a very enjoyable group to be around and today is all about them and the work they have put in since preseason. We are going to celebrate today because I think it's important to celebrate success. Hopefully we can extend the season!"
 
At the start of Sunday's contest, much of the play took place inside the Eagles' defensive half of the pitch as the Panthers outshot the Eagles 5-1 with four requiring saving efforts by ERAU goalkeeper Oona Jokinen and the other hitting the post. The Eagles turned the tide briefly as a series of corner kicks and shots, including a Marie Myhrvold Seim attempt that was saved off the line, put the Panthers in a defensive posture.
 
Florida Tech was able to withstand the Eagle pressure and quickly went back on the offensive, but despite outshooting the Eagles 10-4 in the first 45 minutes, they were unable to find the back of the net and at the end of the first half, the score was tied at 0-0.
 
The possession was even to start the second half, although the first corner kick and shot went to Florida Tech.
 
In the 59th minute, Sofia Munthe Nilsson won a battle on the left side of the box and lifted a cross toward the far post that forced a Panther deflection over the end line. Munthe Nilsson made her way to the right corner flag and this time, her cross found a teammate as Kettle, who was standing on the far post, headed home her second goal of the year to give the Blue and Gold a 1-0 lead.
 
Following the goal, the momentum swung the Eagles' favor as they continued to pressure the Panther defense with four more shots in a three-minute span.
 
As the half progressed, both sides created chances to change their respective numbers on the scoreboard with Embry-Riddle looking to increase its lead and Florida Tech looking to at least tie the game. The Panthers came close in the 83^rd minute when Jessica Cravero's attempt hit the underside of the cross bar, but the Eagles were able to clear the ball out of danger and withstood a choppy end to the game, which featured numerous stoppages of the clock, to secure the victory.
 
Following Sunday's game, five Eagle players were recognized for their performance in the SSC tournament. Myhrvold Seim, Munthe Nilsson, Kettle and Thea Nyberg were named to the All-Tournament team, while Isabelle Navren was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
 
The Eagles will find out who their first opponent in regional play will be when the national championship bracket is revealed at 7 p.m. on Monday.
 
The 2022 Embry-Riddle women's soccer season is presented by Radiology Associates.