Box Score AUSTIN, Texas. – The St. Edward's women's soccer team beat Dallas Baptist 2-1 in the Heartland Conference Tournament Championship on Saturday afternoon at Lewis-Chen Family Field. The Hilltoppers have now earned an automatic bid into the NCAA Division II Tournament. St. Edward's is 16-0-2 on the season.
 
The Hilltoppers started fast with a goal by Heller exactly one minute into the match. LAUREN HELLER received a pass through the defense by JESSICA TRAVES and then beat Dallas Baptist goalkeeper Kerry Edwards one-on-one.
 
Ashley Cox of Dallas Baptist tried a long-distance shot in the 39^th minute that hit the crossbar. Lady Patriot Lindsey Eccles' shot in the 41^st minute went high. MIKAYLA ENGEL's attempt in the 44^th minute was saved by the goalkeeper. St. Edward's led at halftime, 1-0.
 
LORRIE SANTOY entered at goalkeeper for the Hilltoppers in the second half. Santoy made a save in the 48^th minute on a header attempt by Lea Sedwick.
 
Traves gave the Hilltoppers a 2-0 advantage in the 65^th minute. Traves found a loose ball in front of the goal and put it to the near post for her third goal of the year.
 
Dallas Baptist responded with a goal by Danielle Presley in the 67^th minute. Presley took the free kick and beat the keeper to the right side to cut the lead to 2-1.
 
Dallas Baptist was given another free kick in the 71^st minute, but Sedwick's attempt was blocked by ANNA OWEN. This was the last shot attempt by either team as St. Edward's held on to win the match 2-1.
 
The Hilltoppers have now won the Heartland Conference Tournament Championship in two of the three years the tournament has been held. The only loss was to Dallas Baptist in last year's tournament championship.

St. Edward's now awaits word on where they will be playing next. The NCAA South Central Regional will take place at a site yet to be determined with the first round starting November 14^th.