PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas | For the fourth time in five years, the Alabama State University soccer team finds itself in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship match, and will face Grambling State University at 11 am Sunday morning.
 
The defending conference champion made it to the conference championship match following as hard-fought 2-1 victory over Alcorn State in the opening round, and a shootout victory over Texas Southern in the semifinals.
 
Alabama State (11-7-1) and Grambling State (11-7-1) will meet for the second time this season, with the match airing on the SWAC Digital Network and the winner receiving an automatic berth into the NCAA Championship Tournament.
 
"I am really pleased at the way we have played," Alabama State head coach Jodie Smith said. "I am pleased with the way we are dealing with the constant changes of momentum we have faced to get to the championship match. We will need to continue to be organized defensively, and create chances offensively. This means our midfield will be key."
 
The two teams met earlier this season (October 13), with Grambling State coming away with a 2-0 victory at home as they scored a goal in each half. The meeting will be the 10th all-time between the two schools, with Alabama State leading 6-3 overall.
 
The appearance in the championship match for Grambling State will be the first since 2006, a year in which they claimed the conference title.
 
The winner of the match will receive the automatic bid to the NCAA women's soccer tournament. The brackets will be revealed Monday on NCAA.com.
 
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