WINONA LAKE, Ind. - The first NAIA tournament game in Grace's history just happened to be one of the most memorable matches in program history.

The Lady Lancers advanced to the "Sweet Sixteen" with a 2-1 victory over Park (Mo.) on Saturday in a snowstorm during the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Opening Round.

Grace used goals from Mallory Rondeau and Meredith Hollar to defeat the Pirates (14-6) at Miller Athletic Complex. The Lady Lancers advance to play No. 8 seed Westmont (Calif.) on Nov. 30 in Orange Beach, Ala.

"I'm super proud of the women today. The women solved problems to score goals and let no adversity overtake them," said Grace head coach Michael Voss. "That win was a pure credit to their intelligence and mental toughness. We're proud to represent Grace today."

The match was played on several inches of snow, shoveled clean on the boundary marks. The blizzard-like conditions never slowed, resulting in slick conditions throughout the match.

Mallory Rondeau broke onto the scoreboard first for Grace. Darcy Johnston sent in a long pass behind Park's backline, and Mallory Rondeau outran the defenders. Rondeau then converted her 1v1 opportunity for Grace's first NAIA tournament goal in team history at the 6:54 mark.

Meredith Hollar came on as a substitute and single-handedly caused havoc on Park's backline. Hollar fired off three shots and scored Grace's second goal, which turned out to be the game winner. Johnston chipped a through ball to Hollar from the left sideline, and Hollar slotted in her shot past the charging goalkeeper at the 39:33 mark.

Park had two chances to score in the opening period. The first was a breakaway by Emily Key which was saved by goalkeeper Abby Schue. The second was a build-up inside the penalty box, but Clair Snodgrass blocked Park's shot from close range.

Grace entered halftime ahead 2-0. The Lady Lancers (15-2-3) outshot Park 12-4 in the first half, taking six shots on goal before halftime.

The Lady Lancers continued to attack the Pirates in the second half, firing off 10 more shots over the final 45 minutes. Jordan Hairgrove, Rondeau and Shelby Fort each had decent looks at goal that were denied.

Park's Emily Key gave the match a dramatic late turn with a terrific individual effort. Key found the back of the net in the 78th minute to make the score 2-1. The Pirates, fueled by that goal, found renewed energy in their attack. Park pressed and had a few dangerous opportunities over the final 10 minutes, but Grace's defense remained stout. The Pirates were unable to get off another shot attempt after their goal.

As a team Grace held a 22-9 advantage in shots. Rondeau led all players with five shots, and Kristen Bellinger took four shots and three on goal for Grace. Park was led by Key with four shots and Isabel Sullivan with three.

"None of us envisioned that it would take surviving a 'snowmageddon' to make the final 16 in Alabama," Voss said. "We are just so grateful to our leaders Dr. Katip, Dr. Swanson and Chad Briscoe for their unwavering vision and support of athletics and women's soccer. Our maintenance crew was out of this world awesome tonight. It was amazing the depth they took to get us playable today."