THOMASVILLE, Ga. – Just days after announcing the official 40-team bracket for the NAIA National Tournament, the remaining schools are set to do battle, as only 10 will remain after this weekend.  The Thomas University Women's soccer team begins its quest with host No. 1 seed #2 Southeastern in Lakeland, Fla.
 
TU (7-5-2) is ready to go to work after making it to the big dance for the first time in 17 years.  The Night Hawks will head into the weekend, determined to give it their all.  Sophomore Jordin Sanchez has averaged 35 minutes and three seconds in her five appearances in net this season, including the A.I.I. Final against RV Georgia Gwinnett.  Sanchez has not allowed a goal this season, recording eight total saves on the season.
 
TU has seen a significant improvement in shooting chances, taking 12 or more shots in five of the last six contests. Leading the attack for the Night Hawks are Sophomores Ayla Aiduck and Jana Pastorek.  Aiduck has had a breakout season, leading the team with eight goals while recording three assists.  Pastorek holds 13 points on the season, scoring five goals and also recording three assists.
 
The Hunter Green & White defense enters the weekend allowing just two goals in the last five matches.  Of those five matches, three were against ranked opponents.  In that same span, the Night Hawks limited its opposition to single-digit shots in four of the five games.
 
After finishing its regular Fall season that included an unbeaten record and conference championship, #2 SEU (15-1-1, 9-0 TSC) played four games in the spring along with two exhibitions against two, local NCAA DII schools.  The Fire's lone loss came to #1 William Carey in extra time in a 2-1 setback. 
 
Southeastern's offense has been difficult to subdue in the 2020-21 year.  The Fire average 22.12 shots a game (ranked 11th in NAIA), scoring 3.18 goals a game, an 18th-best mark in NAIA this season.  Of the 17 matches played, nine resulted in shutouts for SEU.
 
Aisha Solorzano leads the team in goals (13) overall on the year, despite scoring just one in the spring portion.  Naira Lopez (11 G, 12 A) has played a paramount role in SEU's scoring success this year with 34 points.  Lopez 5.88 shots a game is a fifth-best average in NAIA.
 
Of the nine shutouts for the Fire, Keeper Holly Eddins (13-1-1) is responsible for seven.  Eddins enters the NAIA Tournament with 60 saves, an 85.7% Save Percentage while allowing 0.62 goals a match.
 
SEU currently holds a slim 6-5 overall series lead against TU.  The Night Hawks have been shut out by the Fire since 2017.
 
Kickoff at SEU Soccer Field is slated for a 7 p.m. fixture.  A reminder that video is available for purchase for $9.95 a game by following the respective video link below.  Live stats are free of charge.
 
Live Stats                                                             Live Video
 
For up-to-date information on this match and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com.  Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by-play, and feature stories of TU women's soccer by following them on Twitter at @NightHawksWSocc.