Hopes of a December in Florida fell short Saturday for the Campbellsville University women's soccer team, falling 1-0 to host school Covenant College in the National Christian College Athletic Association Mid-East Region Final.

Covenant (8-8-3) controlled the ball most of the first half, collecting seven shots and holding CU to zero. The Lady Tigers switched the field in the second half, maintaining possession most of the half until the final 10 minutes.

"It was there in the second half. We had possession and control, but couldn't create any shots," said CU graduate assistant Brent Salomon. He served as acting head coach for the game, as CU head coach Thom Jones watched from afar, serving a one-game suspension for being ejected during the semifinal Friday.

CU also lost starting outside midfielder Ashley Corum to injury Friday. Emily Shultz filled in, blocking numerous scoring opportunities in the first half.

"She did a good job. She worked hard and did what she had to do. She was ready when called upon," Salomon said.

With eight minutes left to play, the game, that looked like it was bound for overtime, shifted. Covenant drew CU keeper Erin Grimsley to the front of the box a step early as Lauren Propst slipped a pass from Jenny Carter into the back right corner of the net for the game-winner.

Laura Swencki and Megan Campbell had the only shots for CU - a total of three in the second half. Grimsley finished with four saves.

Unless an at-large bid to the NCCAA National Tournament comes its way, Campbellsville finishes the season 12-8-2, tying the school record for wins and advancing to the NCCAA Regional Final in each of the last two seasons. CU lost to Asbury in a one-game regional in 2009.

"Overall, I'm pleased," Jones said. "We're a young team. To make it this far with seven starting freshmen shows the future looks bright as long as we can build off this year."