On the strength of the defensive play of tournament Most Valuable Player Lisa Bland, Chowan College garnered a second place finish at the First Annual Chowan Women's Soccer Tournament.

In opening round action, Chowan got goals from Karina DaCosta, Kristen Lahm and Liz Anderson en route to a 3-1 victory over Averett. The Braves dominated the game, outshooting the Cougars, 21-10. Kelly Gregory scored Averett's lone goal.

In Saturday's action, Mary Baldwin rolled over Averett, 5-1. Stephanie Ventura scored a pair of goals to lead Baldwin.

Sunday's championship game featured Mary Baldwin and the host Braves. Chowan jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead when Lahm scored on a direct kick from 23 yards out. Chowan looked to be in trouble when Baldwin's Amanda Bennett was awarded a penalty kick 15 minutes into the second half. Braves keeper Stephanie Donohue came up big however, diving to her right and saving what would have been the game-tying goal.

Less than two minutes later, Bennett more than made up for missing the penalty kick by finding the back of the net on a breakaway. With the score knotted at 1-1, Bennett struck again. Her third goal of the tournament gave Baldwin the championship, 2-1.

Chowan's Bland, a freshman, took home the MVP honors by blanketing opponents with tenacious defense. Her gritty and determined style of play stood out well above the rest of the field. Joining Bland on the all-tournament team, from Chowan, were Lahm and Tyran Williams.