MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Martin Methodist Women's Soccer team avenged its only loss of the season with a 2-1 victory versus William Carey (Miss.) in the 2018 SSAC Women's Soccer Championship title match Friday night at the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex.

In a rematch of last year's title game, the RedHawks (18-1-1) saw Tournament MVP Millene Cabral convert a penalty kick with just under two minutes left in the contest to give the RedHawks a second-straight title.

The matchup was a back-and-forth affair amongst two of the NAIA's premier squads. The second-seeded RedHawks entered the match at No. 5, while the top-seeded Lady Crusaders (16-3) entered at No. 3 in the national polls.

In howling winds and, at times, driving rains, the RedHawks and Lady Crusaders battled to a virtual stalemate for 85-plus minutes.

Miku Sunaga scored the opening goal for the RedHawks, but the Lady Crusaders responded with a goal from Kelly Stubbington midway through the first half.

And with both teams swapping scoring chances in the second half, the RedHawks eventually made the most of theirs.

After a Suzuho Yamasaki shot was turned away by goalkeeper Abby Baravik, RedHawk defender Ashlyn Wiggins was brought down in the box and the RedHawks were awarded a penalty kick.

That's when Cabral stepped up and buried the shot to give the RedHawks their second title in the last two seasons.

"I just cannot believe the effort and grit from this team," RedHawks head coach Will Austin said. "They have battled all year long and just continued to do that again today. We scored first, but gave up a goal there and had to weather several chances from a very good William Carey team. The way we kept our resolve and picked up the win at the last gasp was truly special. This team still has work to do, but I could not be more proud of the way they came out and played tonight."

"Martin Methodist has had some special memories on this pitch over the years. To see our girls battle against adverse conditions this week and capture another title here is something we will remember for a long time."

The win ensured the RedHawks of the SSAC's automatic berth to the NAIA national tournament.

The RedHawks will find out their opponent during Monday's NAIA bracket reveal.