MARION, Ind. -- Indiana Wesleyan University and Houghton (N.Y.) College shared a meal on Friday night before the two teams would go into competition on Saturday afternoon at Wildcat Field.

A banquet was held to honor the achievements of both programs for their successful seasons that have brought them to the 2009 NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Opening Round match. The winner of the contest will advance to the final site where 16 teams will be left to battle for the national championship in Decatur, Alabama.

Indiana Wesleyan athletic director Mark DeMichael opened the night with a greeting and was followed by Indiana Wesleyan president Dr. Henry Smith who greeted all in attendance and prayed for the meal.

Following dinner, Houghton head coach Dave Lewis and Indiana Wesleyan head coach Dr. John Bratcher spoke. Each shared about their teams and what it means to have advanced to the national tournament and all the hard work accomplished to reach this point.

The coaches then awarded each of their players with Certificates of Participation for competing at the national stage. After the honors, the teams presented each other with t-shirt gifts to help remember the contest that will be played on Saturday.

Closing the ceremony with words of encouragement and prayer was Indiana Wesleyan executive vice president Dr. Todd Voss.

Indiana Wesleyan and Houghton will kick-off the NAIA National Championship Opening Round at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Wildcat Field.

Indiana Wesleyan AD Mark DeMichael

Indiana Wesleyan President Dr. Henry Smith

Houghton College women's soccer head coach Dave Lewis

Indiana Wesleyan women's soccer head coach Dr. John Bratcher

T-Shirt gift exchange between IWU and Houghton

Teams exchanged gifts on Friday before the big match on Saturday

Houghton Champion of Character Jenny Miller with head coach Dave Lewis

IWU Champion of Character Rachelle Ponist with head coach Dr. John Bratcher

Indiana Wesleyan executive vice president Dr. Todd Voss