Lucy Rife and Camila Lopez scored the goals that put TCJ Eagles Women's Soccer into the national semifinal. Trinity defeated Michigan's Grace Christian University 2-0 in the opening round of pool play. The win is also the first ever in three Tournament matches for the Eagles, who are making their second appearance in the NCCAA Division 2 National Championship Tournament and first since 2021.

In Minute 23, Kalli Robinson sent a long pass from midfield up the right wing of the pitch, and Rife chased the ball down in the corner. Her pass to the inside hit off a Grace defender then off Rife out of bounds. On the ensuing Grace throw-in, the ball went back to Taylor McCrory at midfield. McCrory hit Kira Goodwin five yards past the circle, and Goodwin found Rife to her right. Rife dribbled around her defender before firing through two more defenders and over the goalkeeper. She hit the center of the goal to put Trinity ahead 1-0 in Minute 24. The teams took that score into halftime. 

[Lucy Rife scored the first goal on Tuesday, her 7th of the season.]

Lopez gave TCJ an insurance goal in Minute 71. Just 50 seconds out of the water break, Lopez took a pass from Robinson on the left side midway between the circle and the box. Lopez dribbled and launched one from 30 yards out over the goalkeeper and into the right side of the net to make the score 2-0. 

[Camila Lopez scored Goal #2 for Trinity on Tuesday, her 5th of the season).

The backfield of Aubree Settle, Gina Bido, and Olivia Raysick made things easy for goalkeeper Katianna Grace. TCJ allowed Grace Christian only 9 total shots and 5 on goal; Grace saved all 5.

Trinity took 16 total shots with 8 on goal. Rife had 3 of 6 on goal, and Lopez put 2 of 3 on goal. Other Trinity shooters were Robinson (1 of 4), Goodwin (1 of 1), Raysick (1 of 1), and Ayla Buckley (0 of 1). Grace Christian goalkeeper Kenna Hill saved 6.

The Eagles will play a familiar foe when they battle Bob Jones University at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Although officially pool play, this match will serve as a semifinal to see who will advance to the NCCAA Division 2 National Championship game at 6:00 p.m. on Friday.