By Paul Bressler

The UW-Whitewater women’s soccer team awaits the announcement of the 64-team field for the upcoming NCAA Tournament after defeating the UW-Oshkosh Titans 1-0 Saturday night at Fiskum Field.

The Warhawks captured its second consecutive Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament title, and will make its third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

The ’Hawks earned an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament with the victory in the tournament finale. The team has already clinched the WIAC’s top regular season record by going 14-0-4.

Freshman forwards Carly Pottle and Brianna Reid wasted no time getting on the scoreboard within the first minute of Saturday’s final. Reid’s 12th goal of the season came after an assist from Pottle and Reid was able to slide the ball past the keeper.

Titans senior goalkeeper Katie Berkopek stymied the ’Hawks’ attack twice within a matter of seconds when neither junior forward Natalie Lechner nor sophomore midfielder Jenna Woodson could convert.

Berkopek made a sliding save after Lechner fired the first attempt. Woodson tried to capitalize on the follow up only to have Berkopek make another save in the 32nd minute.

The ’Hawks controlled the ball for the majority of the first half, and held the Titans to one shot. The game opened up a little bit in the second half with both teams managing two shots on goal.

Overall, the ’Hawks held a 13-4 edge in shots.

Junior goalkeeper Jordan Myers earned her eighth shutout of the season, and second consecutive postseason shutout with two crucial saves.

The ’Hawks will enter the NCAA Tournament undefeated with a 16-0-4 overall record.

The announcement of the tournament field will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11. The ’Hawks will open the NCAA Tournament in a regional round to be played at a venue to be determined.