An unexpected title run by the Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) women’s soccer team (15-4) came to an end Dec. 5 with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of defending champion Lee (Tenn.) 21-2-1 at the Jack Allen Sports Complex in Decatur, Ala. in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics championship game. “It was phenomenal,” said PLNU head coach Tim Hall. “They did an incredible job. I’m impressed with how hard they worked to get there and how committed they were to each other. It was a dream season.” The Sea Lions entered the championship unranked after they were eliminated in the Golden State Athletic Tournament (GSAC) but entered the competition as an at-large team. PLNU began the single-elimination national tournament with a 1-0 shutout over No. 9 seed Simon Fraser (B.C.) then knocked off GSAC rival and No. 8 seed Vanguard 6-1. Point Loma rolled over No. 1 seed Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 6-1 in the quarterfinals to gain a berth in the semifinals. The Sea Lions followed up the impressive victory over Lindsey Wilson with another impressive win over GSAC rival and No.4 seed Azusa Pacific University (APU) in penalty kicks 3-0. Freshman goalkeeper Tiffany Kracy held APU scoreless in regulation, two overtimes and in penalty kicks with five saves in the game. Kracy was named the defensive player of the tournament and was also named to the first team All-Tournament, along with teammate Katie Pedlowe. Amanda Rowand was awarded the Brine Champion of Character Award. Hall believes the key ingredient to success for the team this season was how well all of the players were able to get along throughout the year. “The chemistry on this team is incredible both on and off the field,” said Hall. “They all work hard for each other. There are no cliques on this team.” He said the camaraderie between his players was something very unique and that none of his players felt like an outsider. Point Loma struggled through the tournament because of the 20-degree weather in Alabama. “The weather affects you but it didn’t stop our team,” said Hall. “They played with tremendous resolve.” The women’s appearance was the fifth all-time for PLNU sports in an NAIA championship game. The other Sea Lions teams to make the NAIA Finals were volleyball (1996), softball (2002 and 2006) and baseball (2009). Point Loma has yet to win an NAIA championship in any sport. Volleyball squad falls Georgetown (Ky) eliminated PLNU’s women’s volleyball team in three games (25-21, 26-24, 27-25) on Dec. 4. Fresno Pacific defeated Georgetown to win the NAIA title, beating them in three games (25-15, 25-18, 25-12) on Dec. 5.