LEBANON, Ill. – The Maryville women's soccer team advanced to the first Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship game in program history with a 2-1 upset victory over No. 17 McKendree University. After falling behind 1-0 early in the second half, the Saints rebounded with a pair of goals to move into the GLVC title match Sunday, Nov. 6.
 
The first half got off to a slow start, with both teams unable to find the back of the net through the first 45 minutes. McKendree outshot the Saints, however, forcing starting visiting goalie Katie Nash to make a save in the 25th minute.
 
GLVC Offensive Player of the Year Anna Stiffler got things going quickly to start the second half, scoring a goal in 34 seconds to give the Bearcats a 1-0 lead.
 
The Saints erased that lead roughly 25 minutes later when Tori Calvert sent a perfect pass from the corner of the field into the middle of the box for GLVC First Team recipient Lexi Gentry. Gentry headed the ball out of the air on a line into the back of the net for the equalizer.
 
Maryville continued to apply offensive pressure, earning a penalty kick opportunity in the 80th minute. Sara Lawler stepped up to the line and rocketed a shot into the top left corner of the goal to take a 2-1 lead with 10 minutes remaining.
 
McKendree made one last press to tie the game, but the Saints' defense kept the Bearcats off the board to earn a 2-1 win and their first trip to the GLVC Championship game in program history.
 
The Saints will be back in Lebanon, Ill., Sunday, Nov. 6, for a noon start to wrap up the GLVC Championship Tournament.