Houplin, WWU prepares to face UC San Diego in West Regional final

Western Washington University fifth-year senior midfielder Joana Houplin has waited a long time for another women's soccer NCAA Division II Tournament berth.

But she's a much bigger part of it this time around.

Five years ago, Houplin was a true freshman on Western's last team to reach the NCAA's. The Vikings advanced to the Far West Regional final, where they lost 1-0 in overtime to rival Seattle Pacific University.

Houplin didn't play due to a torn ACL, though. Five years later, her career has come full circle.