LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With nearly half his Bellarmine University women's soccer team being new to the squad, Chris Tinius didn't have a clear idea how the Knights would perform this season.

The BU coach got a definitive answer on Wednesday at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium.

In a history making performance, Katie Fernandez scored twice and the Bellarmine defense delivered a vintage shutout as the No. 18 Knights dominated Southern Indiana 2-0 to secure the first Great Lakes Valley Conference regular season title in program history.

"What a special day for a special group of kids," said Tinius, whose squad clinched the top seed in the GLVC Tournament. "They've worked hard for this and plenty of people before them worked hard to get the program in a position to do this. I know we've won a tournament title before (2011), but being the first to sustain it over the regular season is pretty cool."

Bellarmine (15-1-2, 12-1-2 GLVC) has been close to a GLVC regular season title several times, finishing second on four separate occasions, including last season. In their regular season finale, the Knights tied the program record for GLVC wins and clinched the best winning percentage in conference play in school history — the 2011 team went 12-2-1.

"This team to me was always a title team," junior forward Mary Beth Gorham said. "We put in the work to overcome obstacles and, without each part of this team, we would not be as successful as we are today. I am so proud of everyone on this team."

"I am just so ecstatic and proud of this team for everything we have accomplished thus far," senior defender Jordan Major said. "This title could not have gone to a more deserving team on and off the field. We have worked so hard all season to not only represent each other, but the university as well."

Bellarmine is now one victory shy of tying the program record for overall victories, also set in 2011. The Knights did it behind an impressive night of finishing from Fernandez, a couple splendid passes from her teammates and, of course, their customary unyielding defense. The thorough outing included a 19-4 advantage in shots, including a decisive 8-1 in attempts on frame.

While Bellarmine racked up 10 shots in the first half, the match seemed headed for a scoreless tie at the intermission. However, the Knights had other ideas, continuing to attack the Screaming Eagles (5-10-2, 4-10-1) inside the final minute before the break.

Heading toward the goal box in the center of the field, freshman midfielder Jordan Chlebowy crossed to Gorham on the left side. Gorham immediately tapped the ball ahead to Fernandez, who drained a shot from 5 yards for a 1-0 lead with only 25 seconds left. The goal marked the third straight match in which Fernandez has scored.

And the sophomore forward didn't stop there. After halftime, junior midfielder Lauren Holder laced a cross to a wide-open Fernandez on the left side. She whizzed her shot past the USI goalkeeper and into the net for a 2-0 lead in the 71st minute. The two-goal effort gave Fernandez five for the season.

Holder has now racked up a team-best eight assists. Gorham, the team leader in goals with 11, has now distributed five helpers. Chlebowy collected her first collegiate assist.

"The best thing was that we got the win and did it playing better soccer than the last time out," Tinius said. "We wanted to be active participants in making this happen, not sit back and wait to get help or just survive the game.

"Katie has faced some adversity this fall and her response the last three games has been crucial for us. That first goal was one of the best we've scored all year, not just the finish but the combination play leading to it."

In addition to allowing a single shot on goal, Bellarmine's defense added to its program record by registering its 14th shutout. Sophomore goalie Taylor Smith and junior keeper Hannah Poteet combined for the shutout.

Once zeroes showed on the scoreboard, the Knights rushed the field for a jubilant celebration.

"It's an unbelievable achievement to make program history and even see one of our goals come true," Gorham said.

The Knights then made sure to head over to the track surrounding the field and thank their fans.

"All of the love and support from the BU community has made all of the difference and we hope to continue to make Bellarmine proud throughout conference tournament play and hopefully into the NCAA Tournament," Major said. "In no way am I or any of my teammates perfect, but we want this so badly for each other that anything is possible."

Major also took the time to praise Tinius, who guided the team to a landmark championship in his second season. The top-seeded Knights will host eighth-seeded McKendree on Sunday in the opening round of the GLVC Tournament.

"I also think that a huge part of our success is because of the dedication and support from him," Major said. "He has created a different mentality for the BU women's program that is contagious. He pushes us to our limits, but never gives up on us — which is all any player could ever ask for in a leader. This win is just as much of a testament to his coaching as it is to our playing."

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