Columbia, Mo. - In just their fourth season as a program, the Cougar women's soccer team clinched their second American Midwest Conference (AMC) Tournament championship on Thursday night with a 5-0 victory over Park University. Columbia, the conference regular season champions, improves to 18-3 on the year with the win and earns an automatic bid to the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament.

Tiffany Weaver put the Cougars ahead just under the 15 minute mark as the park defender attempted to clear a ball kicked by Katelyn Palmer, but passed it right to the feet of Weaver who buried it home just outside of the 18 yard line.

Laurie Frew broke the all-time goals scored in a season record in the 35^th minute of play after blasting a shot into the upper right hand corner of the net, tallying her 24^th goal of the year.

Katelyn Palmer extended the Cougar lead notching her 9^th goal of the season with two minutes remaining in the first half.

Columbia would carry the 3-0 advantage into the halftime break after outshooting the Pirates 12-3, putting five on the net.

After 40 minutes of scoreless play in the second half, Frew struck again after connecting with Erin Collier. Less than one minute later, Sammie Bauer picked up her first goal of the season to give the Cougars a commanding 5-0 lead over the Pirates. Kelli Westhues and Katie Cook were credited with one assist apiece on the goal.

The Cougars dominated the match with a 28-6 shot advantage, led by Frew and Bauer with seven shots apiece. Flavia Rosado (18-3) logged one save to help Columbia earn their 14^th shutout of the season.

The Cougars will be making their third straight appearance at the NAIA National Tournament and will await the release of the national tournament seeding and bracket on Monday, November 16^th for their opening round destination. The opening round will be held on Saturday, November 21^st.