SELINSGROVE, Pa. – The Susquehanna University women's soccer team secured its place in the Landmark Conference Tournament Wednesday evening, earning a 2-0 shutout victory over Goucher College at Sassafras Field. The River Hawks scored twice in the second half to close out the regular season with a crucial conference victory and punch their ticket to the postseason.
How It Went Down
- Susquehanna controlled the pace from the opening whistle, consistently putting pressure on the Goucher defense. The River Hawks recorded 16 shots in the first half alone and earned two corner kicks, but Goucher goalkeeper Nia George kept the contest scoreless with eight first-half saves.
- The River Hawks continued their attacking pressure after halftime and finally broke through in the 49th minute. At 48:56, Kate Adelman found the back of the net off an assist from Maesie Baker to give Susquehanna a 1-0 advantage.
- Susquehanna doubled its lead less than seven minutes later. Nicole Freiler scored at 55:40, extending the River Hawks' advantage to 2-0 and giving the home side some breathing room for the remainder of the contest.
- The River Hawks continued to generate scoring opportunities throughout the second half, finishing with 19 shots after the break. Goucher was unable to mount a response, managing just one shot in the entire match.
- Susquehanna's defensive unit held firm to preserve the shutout, while goalkeeper Katie Henchy made one save to secure the clean sheet.
- With the victory, Susquehanna clinched a berth in the Landmark Conference Tournament and will travel to Moravian University for the first round on Saturday, October 31, at 6 p.m.
Inside the Box Score
- Kate Adelman and Nicole Freiler each scored their second goal of the season to lead the River Hawks' attack.
- Maesie Baker recorded an assist on Adelman's opening goal.
- Adelman led Susquehanna with six shots, putting four on target and scoring once.
- Ava Billmeyer added seven shots, including four on goal, to help fuel the River Hawks' offensive pressure.
- Susquehanna finished with a commanding 35-1 advantage in shots and a 16-1 edge in shots on goal.
- The River Hawks earned 10 corner kicks while holding Goucher without a corner kick.
- Katie Henchy recorded one save in 90 minutes of action to earn the shutout.
- Goucher goalkeeper Nia George made 14 saves to keep the game close despite Susquehanna's offensive dominance.
- The win improved Susquehanna's overall record to 10-5-3 and its Landmark Conference record to 3-3-3.
- Most importantly, the victory offered the River Hawks three key points in the Landmark standings to finish with 12 points, tying with Wilkes. Susquehanna held the tiebreaker over the Colonels thanks to its 2-1 victory at Wilkes back on Oct. 7 to secure the sixth and final seed for the Landmark Tournament.
Up Next for the River Hawks
- The River Hawks are headed to the postseason! Susquehanna travels to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, October 31, to take on third-seeded Moravian University in the first round of the Landmark Conference Tournament. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m., as the River Hawks look to carry their momentum into postseason play.
