July 31, 2011

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Incoming freshman, Justine Hovden helped guide the FC Milwaukee Nationals U18 squad to the US Youth National Championship with a 4-2 overtime victory over Colorado Rush on Sunday morning.

The Lake Geneva, Wis., native, notched a goal in the semifinal win over FC Stars of Massachusetts on Friday.

"The feeling of winning a national title is amazing," Hovden said. "Being a national champion is what everyone dreams about, so earning the title is a dream come true. There is no better sendoff to college than this."

The win means Baylor currently has a five national title winners on the 2011 team, as senior Christine Clark won the U18 title with the Colorado Rush in 2008, Lisa Sliwinski won the title in 2008 with the Dallas Texans 91 Red, while Caitlin Fennegan, Michelle Hagen and Brittany Hunemuller helped guide the Lonestars '91 Red to the U19 title in 2010.

The Bears report to campus on Tuesday, with practice beginning on Wednesday.