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PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas- For the first time since 2006, the Grambling State University women's soccer team punched its ticket to the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Tournament with a 2-1 victory over No. 2 seed Jackson State on Sunday afternoon at the PVAMU Soccer Complex.
 
GSU, who made its fifth trip to the SWAC title game in six years, broke its championship drought with the win. The victory also extended Grambling's unbeaten streak to 14 games, a program record. 
 
Grambling State defeated JSU on the strength of two first half goals by Khori Banks and SWAC Women's Soccer Tournament MVP Sophia Lezizidis. Lezizidis' performance capped off a remarkable SWAC tournament that saw her score four goals. 
 
Madison Covey-Taylor, Naya Vialva, Beatriz Kretteis, Adrianna Pratt and Lezizidis were all named to the SWAC All-Tournament team.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Grambling State drew first blood in the 36^th minute when Khori Banks beat JSU goalkeeper, Jordan Hamilton, off an assist by Samantha Diaz. 
• The lead was short lived however, as Jackson State's Harper Bennett tied the game 1-1 with goal in the 38^th minute.  
• Sophia Lezizidis responded just as quickly, sending a beautiful strike sailing into the net in the 40^thminute, making it 2-1 GSU.
• Grambling State used its smothering defense to keep JSU at bay for the rest of the contest, securing the title and trip to the NCAA tourney. 

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Jackson State held a 11-5 advantage on shots taken. JSU put seven on goal, GSU placed three on frame. 
• JSU held a 6-1 advantage on corner kicks.
• Grambling state was whistled for 12 fouls while Jackson State was called for four. 
• Madison Covey-Taylor made four total saves for GSU.
• This win marks Grambling State's third SWAC Tournament title. This will also be GSU's second trip to the NCAA D1 Women's Soccer Tournament.
• Grambling State's 15 wins this season is the most in a single season for the program. The four losses is also the least amount of games GSU has lost. 

A complete listing of All-Tournament awards is listed below.

Tournament MVP
Sophia Lezizidis, Grambling State

All-Tournament Team 
Zemira Webb, Southern
Isabella Dillow, Texas Southern 
Akiya Saine, Texas Southern 
Kendyl Terrell, Jackson State 
Maya-Joy Thompson, Jackson State 
Taytum Terrell, Jackson State 
Sophia Lezizidis, Grambling State
Beatriz Kretteis, Grambling State 
Naya Vialva, Grambling State 
Adrianna Pratt, Grambling State

About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.
 
Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field and Tennis.

Women’s competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.
 
Follow the SWAC
For complete coverage of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, please follow the SWAC on social media at @TheSWAC (Twitter), @TheSWAC (Facebook), and @TheSWAC (Instagram) or visit the official home of the Southwestern Athletic Conference at www.swac.org.