Box Score Columbia, Mo. - In just their second season as a program, the Cougar women's soccer team clinched their first American Midwest Conference (AMC) Tournament championship on Thursday night with a 2-0 victory over Park University. Columbia, the conference regular season champions, improves to 16-2-1 on the year with the win and earns an automatic bid to the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament.

The Cougars were unable to get on the board in the opening period despite an 11-2 shot advantage over the Pirates. Columbia put five shots on goal in the frame, but both squads were scoreless heading into the halftime break. The Cougars would pick up an early score to start the second half as Stephanie Hale netted her AMC-leading 21^st goal of the year in the sixth minute of the period. The Columbia defense held the lead the rest of the way and Hale added her second goal of the contest with eight minutes remaining to seal the victory.

The Cougars dominated the match with a 21-3 shot advantage, led by Hale with nine shots and seven shots on goal. Erica Ramirez logged two saves to help Columbia earn their NAIA-leading 13^th shutout of the season.

The AMC also announced their postseason award winners and all-conference team on Thursday night after the game as the following individuals took home hardware for their performance during the 2013 season.

First Team All-AMC: Elise Castellanos, Stephanie Hale, MacKenzie Knepper, Tori Magaletta, Mallory Page, Erica Ramirez
Freshman of the Year: Taylor Hagenhoff
Newcomer of the Year: MacKenzie Knepper
Player of the Year: Stephanie Hale
Coach of the Year: John Klein

The Cougars will be making their first appearance at the NAIA National Tournament and will await the release of the national tournament bracket on Monday, November 18^th for their opening round destination. The opening round will kick off on Saturday, November 23^rd.