It’s been a difficult year for fans of Concordia College Alabama athletics. In December, the school decided to shutter its football program to cut expenses and save money.

That was a difficult decision and one that wasn’t taken easily.

However, the student athletes continue to shine as Concordia women’s basketball team won another title this past weekend in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Division I national championship game.

It’s the school’s fifth title overall and second in the last three years.

The team defeated Iowa-Wesleyan 72-65 in a class of sharp shooting and defense. A stingy Hornet defense made the difference in the game, which was played in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Tournament MVP Erica Ousley, the only remaining player from the 2014 national championship team, scored 13 points.

The men’s team didn’t do too badly either. The team came up just short in the championship game against Oakwood University.

The Hornets actually led at halftime and only trailed by three points with just over two minutes left in the game.

Students athletes on both teams should be proud of the accomplishment. We certainly are.

Selma sometimes gets a bad rap in the national press. For these athletes to bring back repeated national titles brings good publicity and positive news to Selma.