The Brock women's soccer team secured home-field advantage heading into the first round of the OUA playoffs on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m.

Erica D'Alesio scored the game-winning goal and the Badgers defeated the McMaster Marauders 1-0 in a crucial final regular season game at Ron Joyce Stadium in Hamilton on Sunday afternoon.

"I was able to secure a goal thanks to the efforts of my teammates," said D'Alesio. "Samantha Bayer had a shot from the 18-yard box and hit the cross bar, so I made sure to be there to collect the rebound and put it in the net. That's how we win together as Badgers. By giving 100 per cent of ourselves, and trusting that our teammates are right behind us, pushing to get the job done."

Brock needed to defeat McMaster, who was narrowly ahead of them in the standings, in order to clinch home field for the post-season.

The Badgers completed the regular season with a 7-3-4 record for fourth place in the OUA West Division standings, and it's the second consecutive season the Badgers have reached the playoffs.

Goalkeeper Marilena Spagnolo made five saves for her fourth consecutive clean sheet, and 10th shutout of the season.

McMaster outshot Brock 11-10.

Ivana Kanisek and Adrianna Belfer-Marin each registered three shots. Samantha Bayer fired two shots and Cassandra Belme added a shot.

Up next, the Badgers will open the first round of the OUA playoffs by hosting McMaster on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m.