DURHAM, NC – The Shaw University women's soccer team captured its first championship in program history on Sunday.

The Lady Bears topped Edward Waters 3-1 to win the inaugural NCAA Division II Independent Tournament title at Durham County Memorial Stadium. Team captain Victoria Hines led the way with one goal and one assist for Shaw, which has won a season high 14 games.

Hines, a three-year player, believes the women's soccer program, which started in 2017, took a major step with the win. The 2023 season has been the best by far for the Lady Bears, who are 14-4-1 overall.

"It means everything to me to win this championship because the three years I have been here, our program has grown so much," said Hines, a senior midfielder. "We just keep getting better and better and our hearts keep getting bigger with the program."

The Lady Bears had already earned a berth in the national small college tournament heading into this weekend, but the title win gives them momentum. The national tournament, hosted by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Nov. 17-18.

The Lady Bears are the No. 2 seed in the four-team bracket.

"It is the same format [as the Independent Tourney]," Head Coach Randy McClure said. "It's semifinals and finals. We are not used to being in a competitive environment where it's win or go home, so [the Independent Tourney] was an outstanding preview."

Both Virginia State and Edward Waters challenged Shaw this weekend, but the Lady Bears leaned on their experience and depth to come out on top. The Lady Bears didn't panic when Edward Waters tied the score 1-1 after Giovanna Coghetto scored her 12^th goal of the season for a Shaw early lead.

Brianna Garbrandt responded with a goal on Hines' assist for a 2-1 halftime lead. Shaw iced the win late on Hines' penalty kick goal.

"I am speechless," said Hines, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico. "This is my first big championship. I got an assist and I scored so it meant a lot to me. My parents are here. This is their first time watching me."

Coach McClure says it's been a long climb for the program, but the Lady Bears are starting to see the fruits of their labor.

"It's been a long process, but we have a very supportive administration, a very supportive athletic department and every year we've gotten a little better," McClure said. "We are creating a culture here and I am very proud of this group. A lot of seniors who have been here a long time put in the hard work and it is nice to see their hard work is finally rewarded."