“If we settled down after that first goal, I thought we would be in good shape,” Houser said.
Senior midfielder Skylar Baker scored in the 26th minute on an assist from senior midfielder Ashley Ukena for a 1-1 tie.
In the 60th minute, Ukena scored the decisive goal on a breakaway from 25 yards out after an assist from senior Alix Schiraldi.
With the victory, the Wildcats (13-3-1) automatically qualify for the national tournament. Baker, an NAIA national semifinalist a year ago, enters postseason with a five-game winning streak.
Baker outshot Graceland 13-11. Goalie Maggie Dupes recorded one save for Baker.
The Wildcats will play on Saturday, Nov. 19, in the first round of the NAIA playoffs. The site has yet to be determined.
