WICHITA, Kan. -- The Friends University Falcons captured their first KCAC tournament championship of the modern era with a thrilling 1-0 overtime victory over the York University Panthers today (Nov. 13) at Scheels Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita.  The victory assures the Falcons of their fourth NAIA National Championship tournament appearance in the last six years.

The winning moment came Anahi Ibarra-Arevalo headed in a perfect cross from Kieley Aranda 2:38 into the first overtime period.

Goalkeeper Nia Baker contributed significantly again by securing a shutout victory with two crucial saves, ensuring the team's defensive strength. Both of Baker's saves were critical stops in preserving the shutout victory.

The Falcons will carry a scoreless streak of 251:57 heading into the national tournament.

"Just the belief and the buy in we've had since August has been key, I calculated as 95 days this group has been together," Friends women's soccer head coach Brent Hobson in an interview following the victory. "I've told them multiple times it's a special group, they deserve the moment and what a special moment for everybody."

Harumi Cornejo made four saves for the Panthers, who end their season at 9-7-5 overall.

The Falcons outshot the Panthers 13-4 overall and 5-2 on-goal, but shots bouncing off the crossbar coupled with solid saves by Cornejo kept the match scoreless through regulation.

Friends will officially learn its opponent in the NAIA National Championship Tournament during the NAIA Selection Show, scheduled for Saturday (Nov. 16) at 1 pm. Watch the selection show HERE!