No. 12-seeded Southeastern University advanced to the NAIA women's soccer national championship finals behind a 3-0 home victory over Georgia Gwinnett College in an opening-round match Saturday night.

GGC (14-4-2) was making its second NAIA postseason appearance after winning the Association of Independent Institutions Championship – the first conference tournament title in program history. The 14 wins tie for the most wins in a season and the team ranked an all-time best No. 20 in the final NAIA Top 25 national poll of the regular season.

Echenna Kanu scored two goals to lead Southeastern. The first strike came in the 17th minute while the second was accounted in the final six seconds of the match. In between, Estefania Fuente scored an insurance goal in the 70th minute.

During the 2017 season, GGC recorded two victories over a nationally ranked opponent and had a draw against a third ranked foe. The team established a program best 16-match unbeaten streak and ended the regular season on an 11-match winning streak.

Turning Point

Southeastern struck off a free kick in the 17th minute to get on the scoreboard, with the first of two goals by Echenna Kanu. The shot came from 20 yards away from GGC's goal.

Goals

17' – Southeastern Echenna Kanu (unassisted)

70' – Southeastern Estefania Fuentes (Isamar Duran)

89' – Southeastern Echenna Kanu (unassisted)

Inside The Numbers

• Southeastern held a 20-to-5 shot advantage in the match, including an 8-to-3 edge in shots on goal.
• Junior Ana Gonzalez attempted a team-high three shots to lead the Grizzlies' offensive attack.

News & Notes

• GGC ends the 2017 season with a 14-4-2 record, while Southeastern advances with an 18-1 mark.
• Southeastern is the No. 12 national seed in the 31-team tournament field.
• GGC made its second appearance in the NAIA national tournament, and the first appearance since the 2015 season.
• The Grizzlies were ranked No. 20 in the final regular season NAIA Top 25 poll.
• Saturday's match was the first meeting between the two colleges.