Torrential rain wouldn’t stop the Baker University’s women’s soccer team from defeating rival William Jewell College and advancing to the NAIA National Tournament Saturday.

The women took the field with conditions of heavy rain, and William Jewell’s home-field advantage, but rallied against the odds to win the game 2-1.

The first half started slow for the Wildcats, and in the 12th minute of the game, William Jewell broke stalemate and put one into the net to take the lead.

After a brief halftime period to warm up and dry off, the women came out strong, with junior Kylie White scoring the equalizer just nine seconds into the second half.

“It was exciting,” White said. “I saw it coming and knew I had to put it in.”

The game would not stay tied long. Jordan Dolbin, Baker Orange staff member, was awarded a free kick and burned a shot by the Cardinal goalkeeper to take the lead.

With nearly 40 minutes left in the game, it took a solid defensive effort from the Wildcats to hold the lead, but after a few close calls averted by Baker goalkeeper Maggie Dupes, the ‘Cats would take the HAAC championship and set off on a mission to make history.

“It was a really physical game,” Dupes said. “As soon as second half came around, our intensity level came up a lot … the momentum that we gained in the playoffs is just going to keep going.”

For seven seniors on the women’s team, this game was the difference between the end of a long chapter in their lives and the beginning of a new challenge.

“Every person on the team came together and made a huge contribution,” senior Chelsea Dunn said. “I knew senior year was going to be the year, and we did it.”

For head coach Nate Houser, the win was vindication for a disappointing championship game last year and a season full of hard work, and dedication, from his players.

“For these girls, with how hard they’ve worked, and last year, being in this game and not having it go their way … it’s fantastic,” Houser said. “We have the best competitors in the conference, we work harder than anybody else.”

Baker will travel to Lebanon, Ill. Saturday to face McKendree University for a chance at continuing its postseason run. Last year, Baker defeated McKendree 1-0 in the regular season.