SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- Sophomore Caitlin Hilson's 87th-minute strike capped a tense semifinal thriller as the 11th-ranked and John Brown University women's soccer team outlasted Mid-America Christian (Okla.) 2-1 on Saturday night (Nov. 8) at Alumni Field to advance to the 2025 Sooner Athletic tournament championship match.
The victory extends JBU's unbeaten streak to 11 matches and sends the top-seeded Golden Eagles (12-2-4) to its sixth consecutive SAC championship match.
JBU struck first in the 12th minute when junior Addie Craig used the outside of her foot to flick a strike into the goal, slotting home her seventh of the season off an incredible service through the backline from behind midfield by sophomore Tianna Jones.
The early breakthrough energized the hosts, who dictated play throughout the first half and forced MACU goalkeeper Ariana Solorio into three saves.
The Golden Eagles nearly doubled the lead in the 32nd when freshman Andi Riley's effort off a corner kick was destined for the goal but was cleared off the line by an Evangel defender – keeping the visitors within striking distance.
Mid-America Christian (11-4-3) found its moment in the 69th minute when Brae Baker, the SAC's leading scorer, leveled the match by finishing a well-struck cross from the right channel from Cammy Hargrove for her 16th of the year.
Despite the equalizer, John Brown continued to control possession and tempo, outshooting the Evangels 13-2 in the second half and earning five corner kicks while limiting MACU to just two attempts after the break.
With overtime looming, JBU's pressure finally broke through. With just over three minutes remaining, junior Julia Lambert delivered a pinpoint service from the left corner flag, and Hilson struck the match-winner – her fifth goal of the season – inside the far post.
The last-minute goal was Hilson's third game-winner of the 2025 campaign.
John Brown finished with a commanding 22-6 advantage in total shots and a 10-5 edge on frame. Solorio made seven saves for the Evangels, while sophomore Marely Fonseca recorded four stops in goal for the Golden Eagles, improving to 12-1-3 on the year.
The win avenges a 2-2 draw between the same sides two weeks earlier and positions John Brown to chase its seventh SAC tournament crown and the league's automatic bid to the NAIA National Championships.
John Brown will host the championship match on Wednesday evening (Nov. 12) and welcome second-seeded Science & Arts (Okla.). Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Alumni Field and fans can tune in live on the SAC Sports Network or the Urban Edge Network.
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