ITTA BENA, MS – The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff was crowned the 2009 SWAC Soccer Champions with a 1-0 win over Prairie View A&M on Sunday.

It was a hard-fought match with neither team getting on the board in the first half of a defensive battle. In the second half it was Nicole Parks-Powell who connected on a goal off a missed shot, putting the Lady Lions up 1-0 at the 53:04 minute mark.

Despite several shots on goals, the Lady Panthers weren’t able to get on the board as UAPB held on for the 1-0 victory.

Jade West, who had two goals during the tournament including the game-winning goal in the semifinals, was named the tournament’s MVP.

With the win the Lady Lions get an automatic bid in the 2009 NCAA Tournament, which starts next weekend. The selection show is scheduled for Monday, November 9th at 7 p.m. (CT) on ESPNews.

2009 All-Tournament Team

Most Valuable Player – Jade West (UAPB); Ericka Forbes (UAPB); Nicole Parks-Powell (UAPB), Jessica Garcia (PVAM); Megan Vlam (PVAM); Kelsie Sherfield (GSU); Rochelle Moncrieffe (JSU); Celeste Roberts (AAMU); Kendal Smith (SU); Kayla Boyd (MVSU); Kayla Powers (ALCN)