MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Many teams utilize the non-conference portion of play to test the limits of players against tough and level competition in order to prepare for the pivotal conference play that leads up to the postseason. While the stats might say one thing about the first part of the year, the Alabama State University women's soccer team came out of it better off, as shown in the big games it played throughout Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play.

It is easy to point to the program-record, 12-0 blowout of Arkansas-Pine Bluff a week ago, but even without that late season victory at the ASU Soccer Complex, the Lady Hornets (2-10-4, 2-3-3 SWAC, No. 6 seed) have put on numerous performances that have shaken up some of the top teams in the conference, including pulling a draw with Southern in its final October contest, as well as playing one of its best games in a 0-0 draw in the regular season finale against SWAC Regular Season Champion Jackson State.

Similarly notable and likely more relevant now, it held the high-powered offense of Alcorn State (7-4-5, 4-0-4 SWAC, No. 3 seed) scoreless, despite the squad featuring the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year, three of the conference's top four goal scorers, and two of the nation's top four strikers. While its attack did wonders against many more teams throughout the season, it turned out that Alabama State's defense was not only its kryptonite, but that of many other successful conference teams this season.

That performance showed what was the key for the ASU soccer team this season. Its potent defense, led by high-flying sophomore midfielder Queenster Mensah and aided by a number of strong role players alongside her, may be the tool to reach the Achilles' heel of the more powerful elements of many top SWAC teams. Bama State's entire midfield – likely its biggest strongsuit – anchors both its attacking unit and the aforementioned dominating defense. Not only was it able to shut out five opponents this year, but when the other team did score, it was able to limit the damage and keep things within striking distance for the offense, evident in five of the seven final non-victories of the year ending within one goal of a different result.

If Alabama State does advance, not only does it have momentum from the conclusion of the regular season, but also a rather favorable path to the championship. Many of the teams that found success are unlikely to cross paths with the Black and Gold, and if they do, they are facing a much different team than earlier in the season.

All of this to say that, while the seeding says one thing, it is certainly anyone's tournament to win.

The SWAC Championship Tournament begins Thursday, Nov. 12, at the PVAMU Soccer Complex. The tournament hub is linked above, with links to live video, stats, ticketing, and the tournament bracket and schedule throughout the three-day event. The Lady Hornets, who begin at the bottom of the bracket, will take on Alcorn State at 7 p.m. in the quarterfinal round on Thursday, with live coverage throughout the team's run on SWAC TV.