#2 MidAmerica Nazarene Wins Penalty Shootout Over #1 Baker to Win Heart Conference Tournament Championship

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. — Baker University and MidAmerica Nazarene University played to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday evening in the Heart Conference Tournament Championship game, with MNU winning in a penalty shootout, 5-4.

The first half saw MidAmerica Nazarene take an early lead against Baker University with a goal by Jeremie Pelade in the 6th minute, assisted by Gabriel Fernandes. Baker's defense was tested shortly after as Maxot Arystanov made a crucial save against a shot by Antonio Mugica at the 12-minute mark. Despite several corner kicks, including two by Adrian Valencia, the Wildcats were unable to capitalize on their opportunities as the half concluded with MidAmerica Nazarene holding a 1-0 advantage.

The second half remained tense between Baker and the Pioneers, as both teams struggled to gain the upper hand. Baker's Parker Hurla had an early chance with a shot at 49:05 that went high. Baker was able to get on the board in the 84th minute when Ian Waindim scored, assisted by Marco Salgado, leveling the score at 1-1, and eventually sent the game to overtime.

After two scoreless overtime periods, the game was sent to penalty kicks to decide the conference championship. After the first round of penalty kicks, Baker found themselves trailing, 1-0, but after two rounds of both teams scoring, MNU missed a penalty kick of their own to even the shootout, 3-3.

Late in the shootout, the Pioneers netted their chance to take a 5-4 advantage, but Baker failed to convert their attempt and MNU went on to win in a penalty shootout. This marked MidAmerica Nazarene's first Heart Conference Tournament Championship since 2011.

With MNU winning the Heart of America Conference Tournament and Baker winning the Heart of America regular season championship, both teams have earned an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament. The NAIA Selection Show will be held on Friday, Nov. 14, at 5 p.m.