Emily Sullivan scored a goal in the 2
nd minute of action and
Madison Welliver made several important saves in the final minutes of regulation and overtime, but the Susquehanna University Women's Soccer team was unable to advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament after falling in a penalty shootout to the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester.
The River Hawks (13-3-4) scored the first goal of the game at the 2:16 mark as Sullivan found the ball in the box off a corner kick taken by Alee Petit. Sullivan finished the shot into the upper left corner of the net and Susquehanna took a 1-0 lead.
RIT (12-5-3) would respond shortly after to knot up the score at one goal apiece on a shot from deep.
The remainder of the first half went on without a goal by either side, but with RIT holding the possession and shooting advantedge.
Welliver made three saves in the half to keep the score tied after 45 minutes of action.
The River Hawks came out firing in the second half, with
Anna Werner and
Kate Cantrell each registering shots on goal.
RIT went on to put the pressure back on Susquehanna and fired several shots over the remainder of the second half. Welliver stepped up and made save after save to keep the game tied at one, including a big save on a penalty kick and sent the game to overtime.
Welliver made a save early in the first overtime period, but that was the only threat made by either team and the game went to a penalty shootout.
Werner,
Olivia Parke and Sullivan all made penalty kicks and Welliver came up with another save, but RIT came away with a narrow 4-3 edge and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Welliver made 11 saves in goal for Susquehanna. Werner and Sullivan each had two shots.
The River Hawks finished with a record of 13-3-4 and reached new heights this season, winning the Landmark Conference Championship for the first time in program history.