FULTON, Mo. - Westminster women's soccer clinched a spot in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament with a 4-0 win over Principia.

The Blue Jays improve to 9-4-2 overall and 5-2-1 in the SLIAC, tied with Greenville for third. 

After a scoreless first half, Westminster quickly picked up in the pace in the opening minutes of the second half, scoring in the the 47th minute. Natalie Schulte was the first Blue Jay to score on a long pass from Kate Ponder and touched by Gracie Koonce. 

"We settled in and started playing our style in the second half," said Westminster Head Coach Wendy Sanchez. "The quality performances from each player shifted the momentum and helped us get on the scoreboard."

The second and third goals came within one minute of each other. In the 66th minute, Heidi Gundy added a goal on another assist from Koonce. Less than 45 seconds later, the roles were reversed as Koonce scored on a pass from Gundy. 

Schulte ended the day with the last goal of the game in the 88th minute, assisted once again by Koonce, who had five points on the day. 

The Westminster defense remained strong, tallying its second straight shutout in the win and allowing just four shots. Sarah Cradick was solid in goal, making two saves to earn the shutout. 

"We've faced adversity and many challenges throughout the season," said Sanchez. "I was proud to see that each player's determination and desire to compete for their team, family, and Westminster this season has showed in clinching a spot in the conference tournament. It's exciting to see our seniors get another chance to compete in the postseason and our young class will get another great experience. We would like to continute making the tournament, but our team is hungry for more. Our passion to compete and persistence will help guide the program in the direction we set our goals."

Westminster remains at home Saturday to face Blackburn for Senior Day at 1 p.m.