PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Falcons (12-5-2) upset No. 1 Colorado College (), 2-1, in the Mountain West semifinal round on Wednesday evening at GCU Stadium. With the victory, Air Force advances to the MW Championship game, marking their first tournament win since 2004.

"I am so proud of our entire team for the energy and belief they showed tonight," expressed head coach Laura Busby. "We have some incredible leaders in the group and their experience shined bright."

The win marks Air Force's sixth all-time victory over the Tigers and second this season. The Falcons totaled 13 shots, putting eight on frame, while securing their 12th win of the season, the program's highest single season win total since 1994.

Busby mentioned, "We are so grateful for our support from our families and alums…we are not done!"

Ashley Yenawine opened the scoring for Air Force, while Lauren Steinlage netted her first career gamewinner. Midfielder Annika Jost dished out a pair of assists, and Ellie McCarron added one of her own.

Between the posts, C3C Sydney Nelms came up with eight saves to help preserve the Falcons' advantage and secure the semifinal victory.

Air Force came out firing, registering five shots in the opening half before McCarron connected with Yenawine in the 41st minute. Yenawine slipped a shot to the right past the Tigers' goalkeeper,  giving the Falcons a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.

Coming out of the break, Air Force wasted little time extending its lead. In the 47th minute, Jost delivered a corner kick before working the ball back into a dangerous position and finding Steinlage in front of the net. Steinlage finished the opportunity for her second career goal and a pivotal insurance tally.
Colorado College later capitalized on a corner kick of its own to get on the board, but the Falcons held firm defensively to close out the 2-1 victory and punch their ticket to the championship match.

Busby said, "I know we want a second crack at Wyoming and what a better way than to meet them in the final."

No. 4 Air Force advances to the Mountain West Championship game, where it will face No. 2 Wyoming on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. MT.