ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – The No. 2 Marian women's soccer team prevailed over the University of the Cumberlands after a goal in the 67th minute by Naomi Walters gave the Knights the 1-0 victory to advance to the NAIA Women's Soccer Championship on Monday in Orange Beach, Alabama. Marian is 21-0-2 overall heading into Monday championship.

University of the Cumberlands were the first to strike, taking shots in the eighth and 11th minute, but one going high and the other going wide. Marian finally got their first look when Delaney Taylor fired one high at the Patriots' goal before three minutes later Jacelyn Smith took an attempt that had to be saved by the goalie. The Knights found their third shot of the half from Erin Oleksak that would go wide.

With ten minutes left in the first half UC put together three more shot attempts, but Noelle Rolfsen and the Marian defense held strong and kept the score 0-0 going into the halftime.

Marian started more aggressive in the second half when they had a great look from Oleksak. The senior broke through the UC defense, booting one that would go off the posts and to the foot of Naomi Walters who then sent it wide. The Patriots tried to respond but Rolfsen came up with the huge save to keep the score 0-0.

The Knights' hard work finally paid off in the 67th minute when Oleksak found Walters out in front, and the junior forward made a nice play on the ball kicking into the back of the net to give Marian the 1-0 lead.

UC continued to put the offensive pressure on the Marian defense as they fired off six more shot attempts and had two corner kicks in the remaining 24 minutes of play. The Patriots outshot Marian 16-7 in the match. However, it was the Knights executing on their attempts and the incredible defensive effort by the Knights that helped them hold on and secure the 1-0 victory to advance to the championship game.

Walters had the lone goal of the game and two shots attempted, while Oleksak took three shots and added an assist. Smith and Taylor each took one attempt. Rolfsen came up huge in goal as she picked up the win, making six saves in the shutout.

Marian will now take on No. 4 Spring Arbor on Monday at 2 p.m. ET in the NAIA National Championship.

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