KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- The 2025 season for Houghton women's soccer came to an end with a 2-0 loss to No. 2 Southwestern Christian on the final day of pool play at the NCCAA National Tournament on Thursday.

The loss gave the No. 3 Highlanders a 1-1-1 record (4 points) over their three matches, while SCU finished 2-0-1 (7 points) to win the pool and advance to Saturday's national championship match against undefeated Pool A winner Bethel University (Ind.).

Going into the match, Houghton needed a win or a tie to advance as the winner of Pool B, while Southwestern Christian needed a win. Southwestern Christian would see the best chance in the first 15 minutes, as Abbi Johnson took a deep shot off a corner. Houghton keeper Preslee Miller would make another outstanding save as she has all tournament, punching the ball of the crossbar and away to keep the match scoreless. 

Sofia Jimenez would finally crack the tough Houghton defense, winning a free ball off a goal kick and ripping a shot into the upper corner from outside the 18-yard box to give Southwestern Christian the lead. 

Shoshana Graham would add an insurance goal in the 40th minute with another impressive Eagles shot, winning a bouncing ball and hitting one off the post and in to make it 2-0. 

Southwestern Christian would outshoot Houghton 8-4 in the first half to lead 2-0. 

Needing to respond quickly, Houghton put more numbers forward to find four shots in the first 20 minutes of the second half. Lorelai Puglisi would handle all shots on net for the Eagles however, keeping the shutout intact.

Final shots were 14-12 in favor of SWC. Gracelynn Williams and Hope Russell led Houghton with three shots apiece. Miller made four saves in net.

Houghton wrapped the season with a record of 12-6-4, marking the most wins since the 2015 season. It was the first time the program reached double-figure wins since 2016 (11-8-4).