BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Susquehanna University women's soccer team punched its ticket to the Landmark Conference Semifinals Saturday afternoon, earning a thrilling first-round victory over Moravian University. After playing to a 1-1 draw through 110 minutes of regulation and overtime, the River Hawks prevailed 4-3 in penalty kicks behind a memorable performance from goalkeeper
Katie Henchy.
How It Went Down
- Susquehanna wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, taking a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute. Ava Billmeyer found the back of the net at 11:46, finishing off an assist from Nicole Freiler to give the River Hawks an early advantage.
- The River Hawks carried that lead into halftime after a strong defensive effort, limiting Moravian to just three shots in the opening 45 minutes. Susquehanna continued to create opportunities in the second half, but the Greyhounds found the equalizer in the 73rd minute when Lilyanna Potts scored to make it 1-1.
- Neither team could find a winner through the remainder of regulation or two overtime periods, sending the opening-round matchup to penalty kicks.
- Both teams found the back of the net on their first PK tries, with Susquehanna's coming from Maesie Baker. After a miss Moravian got an opening at 2-1 before Henchy made her first save of PKs to set up Kate Adelman's score to tie it back at 2-2. Both sides prevailed on their next tries, for the River Hawks it was Liv Baczor, to set up the fifth and final attempt.
- In the decisive shootout, Henchy came up with the biggest moment of the afternoon, making the final save before stepping up to the spot and burying the game-winning penalty herself. Her heroics secured a 4-3 shootout victory and sent Susquehanna through to the Landmark Semifinals.
Inside the Box Score
- Susquehanna outshot Moravian 20-14, including an 11-9 advantage in shots on goal.
- Henchy finished with eight saves across 110 minutes in goal.
- Liv Baczor led the River Hawks with six shots, including four on goal.
- Billmeyer recorded a team-high four shots and scored her sixth goal of the season.
- Freiler added an assist on the opening goal.
- Susquehanna earned four corner kicks while holding Moravian to four.
Up Next for the River Hawks
- Susquehanna advances to the Landmark Conference Semifinals, where the River Hawks will travel to face the University of Scranton on Wednesday, November 4 with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
