ENID, Okla. - For the second season in a row, the Arizona Western women's soccer team found themselves in the national championship game. For the second time in a row, the Lady Matadors squared off versus the Falcons of Daytona State and for the second time in a row, Arizona Western falls just short of earning the program's first ever national championship title. A year ago, Daytona State defeated Arizona Western 2-1 in overtime. This time, both teams remained scoreless after regulation, then after two, golden goal, 10-minute overtime periods. This year's national championship would be decided on penalty kicks and Daytona State edged Arizona Western 5-4 in six rounds to claim the program's second title in a row and second title in program history.  

In a national semifinal defined by relentless defense and determined goalkeeping, Iyan Hernandez starred for Arizona Western with seven saves across regulation and two overtime periods, preserving a clean sheet and giving the Lady Matadors every chance to advance. Fernanda Quiroz was a constant attacking threat, firing four shots to lead her team as both sides searched for a breakthrough that never came.

The match moved to penalties after neither side could find the back of the net. Kei Yoneda, Karen Sodeyama, Reika Yuba and Linka Ono, each calmly converted their spot kicks for Arizona Western. Hernandez continued to shine with a crucial save in the shootout, but the Lady Matadors came up just short after six tense rounds of penalty kicks, with two misses proving to be the difference as Daytona State held on for their second consecutive national championship title. 

Arizona Western's defensive performance stood out on the national stage, as the Lady Matadors outshot the Falcons 16-11 and matched Daytona State physically throughout. The Lady Matadors' resolve was evident in their discipline and depth, making six substitutions to maintain energy in a grueling contest. The match also marked a milestone for the program, with this second consecutive championship game appearance marking the best finish in program history.