BALDWIN CITY, Kan. - Grace's first trip to NAIA Nationals in 35 years ended in defeat Saturday at No. 5 Baker.

The Lancers (12-5-4) hit three goalposts and narrowly fell 2-1 in the Opening Round of the national tournament. Grace stood toe-to-toe with the Wildcats (16-4-2) throughout regulation, but two defensive lapses provided Baker with its two goals.

Grace's season is not over, however. The Lancers will play in the NCCAA National Championships, which take place in Kissimmee, Fla., starting Nov. 27.

"I'm proud of the guys no matter what. This is a special team, and we have much to be thankful for this season. While we had opportunities to score tonight, I didn't think it was our best performance," said Grace head coach Matt Hotchkin. "Baker is a quality team, and they are well-coached. They are physical which we needed to adjust to better."

The game started slowly as the teams began to get a feel for each other. The first shot of the game was a dangerous one.

Baker had a chance in the seventh minute, glancing a close-range shot off the post. Minutes later the Wildcats nearly scored again, but Kurt Hamlin made a point-blank save to keep the match scoreless.

In the 16th minute, Grace earned a free kick deep in Baker's territory. On the ensuing free kick, Breno Oliveira's shot beat the goalkeeper but sailed a few feet high.

The Lancers came even closer in the 26th minute. Cody Boerema received a pass on the left side of the penalty box, and his rocketed shot hit the crossbar.

The Wildcats were immediate in response. Baker took advantage of Grace's forward position, finding a long pass behind the Lancers' defense for a 1-on-1 with Hamlin. Joseph Houlihan converted the 1-on-1 at the 26:17 mark for the game's first goal.

Grace had another golden opportunity with 13 minutes left on a free kick, but Josiah Osborn's kick whisked past the far post.

The second half started slowly. Ulisses Miranda tried a header that went high seven minutes into the half, which was the first shot for either side.

Baker's first threatening chance minutes later was the game's second goal. The Wildcats were fouled in the penalty box, and the resulting PK gave Baker a 2-0 lead. 

Grace refused to fade, however. A cross into the box gave Grace a headed shot that forced a reflex save. Not long after, Grace tried a long, curling effort that was deflected wide.

With 16:38 remaining, the Lancers earned their own penalty kick. Oliveira converted the PK to give Grace a chance trailing 2-1.

The Lancers continued an assault on Baker's goal and kept pressure on the attacking end of the field.

Grace almost found the equalizer with 12 minutes to play, but a shot from Brayton Taylor hit the crossbar. 

Baker managed to keep Grace off the scoreboard for the remainder of regulation, holding on for the hard-fought win.

"We just need to learn from tonight. We can't get the game back, but we can learn from this loss," Hotchkin said. "As a team we are very thankful for the support that our campus community has given us. It's been special to represent our school and wear the name 'Grace College' on our jerseys. We have the best support system in the world. Thanks for all that you have done for us."

The Lancers were making their first appearance at the NAIA National Championships since 1982 and second appearance in program history.

Oliveira's PK marked the Lancers' first goal at NAIA Nationals. Grace was scoreless in its only other trip to the tournament in 1982.

Follow Grace's website for further information on the Lancers' participation at NCCAA Nationals.