Valparaiso is going dancing

WSO: Anderson’s goal sends Beacons to the NCAA tournament

DES MOINES - The “Permanent Residents of Iowa” embraced their “Next Woman Up” philosophy on Sunday and the result is a trip to the NCAA tournament.

Allie Anderson scored in the 81st minute and the Valparaiso women’s soccer team held off top-seeded Drake down the stretch to win 1-0 in the Missouri Valley Conference championship match at Mediacom Stadium.

The victory was Valpo’s fourth 1-0 victory of the Valley tournament, with all four matches taking place in Iowa.

The Beacons knocked off Belmont and Northern Iowa last weekend in Cedar Falls before traveling to Des Moines to defeat Missouri State and Drake.

Valparaiso has faced adversity in the form of injuries all season and that continued on Sunday as freshman defender Anna Cup was unavailable after suffering an injury in the semifinal match against Missouri State. Daisy Boardman started in her place on Sunday, but left late in the first half after suffering an injury of her own. As they’ve done all season, the Beacons employed “Next Woman Up” and the team pushed forward.

Anderson’s goal in the 81st minute was the result of a set piece from Addy Joiner. The Chesterton product ripped a shot that ricocheted off the post back into play. The ball found Anderson’s foot and the fifth-year senior blasted the lone goal of the match into the back of the net.

Anderson was named to the All-Tournament team along with defenders Abby White and Aubrey Ramey. Valparaiso goalkeeper Nikki Coryell was named the tournament MVP.

Valparaiso will make its third trip to the NCAA tournament and the first since 2014. Valpo has faced Notre Dame in the two previous appearances.

The Beacons will learn of their NCAA tournament first-round opponent on Monday afternoon when the Selection Show is streamed live on NCAA.com.

Stay turned to TheVictoryBell.com for complete coverage of Valparaiso’s championship victory, including a story on Monday morning that will feature quotes from Valpo’s players and coach John Marovich.