Kissimmee, Fla. -- The Mid-America Christian University Lady Evangels' bid for their first-ever National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championship game appearance fell just short as the second-seeded Houghton College Highlanders squeaked out a 1-0 in the Pool B championship game tonight (Dec. 3) at Austin Tindall Park in Kissimmee, Fla. 

The third-seeded Lady Evangels were scoreless with the Highlanders into the break until Sarah Gabriele broke through in the 51st minute for what proved to be the only goal of the match. 

The Highlanders outshot the Lady Evangels 15-6 overall, with Kaitlyn Whitten keeping MACU close throughout by making 10 saves in the net. Shawna Sprout made three stops for Houghton. 

Kaci Power led MACU (12-9-1) with three shots, while Gabriele and Bailey Shattell also each had three shots to lead the Highlanders (15-6-2). 

The Lady Evangels enjoyed quite a season after beginning the season 0-3 before rebounding to qualify for the Sooner Athletic Conference tournament and capturing their second straight NCCAA Central Regional title.  

The Highlanders move on to face Mississippi College in the NCCAA national championship game on Saturday afternoon (Dec. 5) at 2 p.m. (CST).