PINE BLUFF, Ark. - Jackson State won its first ever SWAC soccer championship on Sunday, November 7. The Tigers defeated Mississippi Valley State, 2-0 at UAPB Pumphrey Field and earns the SWAC automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The score was knotted at 0-0 for most of the game. Liana Knight broke thru for JSU (13-6-1) in the 73rd minute and scored on an assist from Yamala Ebru. Two minutes later, Ebru scored on a header to put the Tigers up 2-0.

"We came into this game as if this were the first time we played MVSU", said Niji Olagbegi, head coach at Jackson State. "The first half was scoreless, so I knew that we'd have to play really hard in the second half."

The loss dropped Mississippi Valley State to 7-13-0. Mandi Quirk, Jency Jose and Shelby Willcocks all earned All-Tournament honors for the Devilettes.

Jackson State will now await its seeding for the NCAA tournament. The selection show will be broadcast live on ESPNU on Monday, November 8 at 4:30 PM.

All-Tournament Team
Jessica Smith (Texas Southern)
Lenna Lamas (Alabama State)
Chelsea Nash (Alabama State)
Erika Forbes (Arkansas-Pine Bluff)
Rachel Harker (Arkansas-Pine Bluff)
Shelby Willcocks (Mississippi Valley State)
Mandi Quirk (Mississippi Valley State)
Jency Jose (Mississippi Valley State)
Patricia Cartwright (Jackson State)
Yamala Ebru (Jackson State)
Brittany Renner (Jackson State) -- MVP

Coach of the Year: Niji Olagbegi, Jackson State