GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College's women's soccer team is returning to the Midwest Conference Tournament after a thrilling 1-0 Senior Day victory over Monmouth College on a chilly Saturday afternoon at Springer Field.
 
The Pioneers improved to 6-3 in the MWC and 10-7 overall while drawing the third seed in the tourney. They'll face second-seeded Knox College Friday in De Pere, Wis. Monmouth is the fourth seed, falling to 6-3 in the MWC and 11-7 in all games.
 
Grinnell has now made the MWC Tournament 16 of the last 19 seasons, dating back to 1999, and 23 of the past 27.
 
It was a banner day for Pioneer athletics, as for just the second time Grinnell's volleyball, men's soccer and women's soccer teams all qualified for the MWC Tournament in the same season.
 
The lone goal of the game came in the 34th minute by Jordan Maddaus '19, her fifth of the year. Valencia Alvarez '20 and Lauren Hurley '18 had assists, their sixth and first of the year, respectively.
 
On the play, Hurley tracked down the ball on the left wing and made a nice move and pass to Alvarez, who was just outside the box. Alvarez crossed the ball to Maddaus, who received it in front of the goal and put it in the back of the net.
 
Regan Kaspark '19 recorded her fifth shutout at keeper this season, which ranks ninth-best in program history.
 
The shots battle was tied 10-all, with Francesca Varias '18 and Kitt Richards '18 taking three each and Shaina Zarkin-Scott '18 a pair.