MARION, Ind. - Indiana Wesleyan women's soccer opened up NAIA Championships play Thursday, downing the Grizzles of Georgia Gwinnett, 3-0. It was the second straight year the Wildcats bounced the Grizzles from the NAIA National Tournament.

"I just wanted to begin by saying how proud I am of these young women and their mentality/fight tonight," said Head Coach Daniel Seiffert. "This was one of the most unique games we have been a part of in a while and I am just so pleased with how they have responded to everything that they were dealt." 

"On top of that, our fan section was INCREDIBLE tonight! They crushed it and we are so thankful for all of the love and support we have received this week. We are so blessed to be a part of a great university and community here at IWU!"

Sydney Brown netted the game-winning goal for IWU just 60-seconds into the match. Brown would put the game away in the 68th minute. It's the sophomore's fourth career multi-goal game.

Freshman Mallory Krueger would highlight the evening picking up her first career win in goal, while also netting her first career goal. Typically a midfielder, Kruger took next man up seriously, filling in at goal while Hope Stacker was running late. 

The Wildcats will face the No.1 seed in the Marion Bracket Central Methodist. The Eagles were ranked No. 8 in the final NAIA Coaches Poll of the season on April 7, and punched their ticket with a 2-0 win over College of Idaho.