Redemption. 

For the first time since 2015, the Bees are heading back to the NAIA Tournament. After falling in the title game last season, St. Ambrose captured the 2021 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) tournament championship Friday defeating Trinity Christian 2-1 in Palos Heights, Ill. on an afternoon that saw rain, sleet, snow, and sunshine. This is the first CCAC title for St. Ambrose in women's soccer.

The Trolls took the lead just 15 seconds into the second half on a goal from Selah Hopkins after St. Ambrose was unable to clear the ball out of the defensive end. SAU answered back just five minutes later when Taylor DeSplinter slipped a ball to Riley Garcia. Garcia took a shot from outside the box that got past the keeper to even up the score. Hopkins had a chance for another goal in the 54th minute for the home team, but her shot hit the crossbar. A minute later, Rachel Willette stopped a shot from Hopkins to keep the score at 1-1.

Tori Timerman got the game-winner in the 72nd minute after Kaitlyn Brunson forced a save from the TCC keeper. The Troll keeper wasn't able to secure the ball, and Timerman was able to gather the rebound to give St. Ambrose a 2-1 lead. The SAU defense held on from there, allowing just two more shots in the final 18 minutes. 

The Bees dominated the first half, outshooting Trinity Christian 6-2 in the period. Brunson had the best chance for St. Ambrose in the 32nd minute, but her free kick attempt hit off the post. Taylor DeSplinter, Morgan Wahlen, and Garcia also had shots for SAU in the first half. 

Willette was credited with four saves in the victory. The St. Ambrose backline of Erin Smothers, Haley Salander, Adriane Latham, and Natalie Miller along with midfield duo Mary Evans and Wahlen put in another 90-minute effort. 

"There're 13 teams [in the conference] and to be the last one standing is a phenomenal achievement," head coach Jon Mannall told his team after the win. "Now is an accumulation of everything we have done before. Everybody has put minutes into games, time, and effort constantly, and the season's not done. There's more games to be played. To come through, and just be able to put ourselves in this situation to win it, I am extremely proud of you." 

St. Ambrose will find out their opening-round opponent on Monday at 11 a.m. during the NAIA Selection Show and will play on Thursday at one of ten Opening Round sites.