Article written by Matt Shelton, Graceland University Sports Information Director

Lamoni, IA-The women's soccer team solidified their spot in the 2009 women's national tournament field yesterday.  Their 2-0 win over Baker in the HAAC Conference Tournament championship put their minds at ease in terms of their tourney fate, all that was left to find out is who they would be facing in the tournament, when and where.  Sunday evening that tournament field along with the matchups have been announced.

The Jackets (17-1-2) will take on Dakota Wesleyan University (Mitchell, SD) who will make the trip to Lamoni with an undefeated record at 17-0-4 overall.  The Tigers tied in the GPAC conference championship game 2-2 with Midland Lutheran College but were able to advance to the National Tournament 5-4 on PK's.

The Tigers are paced by sophomore midfielder Kasha Roberts (Rapid City, SD).  Roberts leads the Tigers in scoring with 14 goals on the season and 4 assists.  Supporting Roberts in the offensive attack are freshman midfielder Kim Duff (Rapid City, SD) with 13 goals on the year and junior midfielder Ellie Peterson (Fort Collins, CO) with 10.  The Tigers did give up 12 goals on the season but countered that by scoring 59 of their own.

The Jackets will come into the contest with an overall record of 17-1-2 overall with their only loss coming at the hands of the #1 team in the country and the #1 overall seed in the tournament, Lindsey Wilson.  Graceland is led offensively by junior sensation and HAAC player of the year Chelsea Phillips (Granada Hills, CA), sophomore midfielder Karina Vega (Asuncion, Paraguay) sophomore midfielder Gisella Arietta (Valledupar, Colombia), midfielder Shay Eskridge (Rowlett, TX) and senior goalie Leslie Danner (Raytown, MO).  Along with Graceland's stingy defense which only allowed 10 goals on the season, the offense has scored 59 on the season including 24 from Phillips.

"After winning both the conference cahmpionship and the conference tournament we're thrilled to be able to particpate in the national tournament," stated Coach Wagenaar after the announcement of their tourney draw.  "The first round will be played at Graceland which is very exciting.  Dakota Wesleyan is unbeaten this year so they are obviously a very formidable opponent  We're looking forward to the challenge of a good competitive game and we can't wait until Saturday," finished an excited Wagenaar.

As previously stated, the #9 Jackets will host Dakota Wesleyan University (Mitchell, SD) in Lamoni next Saturday, the 21st of November, at a time still to be determined.  As soon as the game time for the contest is known, it will be posted immediately on the GU athletics website.  Click the above link to view the entire 2009 NAIA National Tournament Field and as always, stay tuned to the Jacket athletics website for continuing coverage of the women's soccer team as they push for a National Championship in 2009!