By Kalyn Albers, Staff Writer
The Susquehanna women’s soccer team fell 1–0 in double overtime to Swarthmore College on Saturday, Nov. 11 in Geneva, New York.
The River Hawks (14-5- 2) came into the tournament as the third seed, the Garnets (15-3-2) was second seed. The NCAA tournament appearance was also the first in school history for the River Hawks.
Both teams were not able to get a shot passed the goalkeepers during game play but Swarthmore had their opportunities. The River Hawks allowed Swarthmore to take 24 shots on goal, which dwarfed Susquehanna’s shot- on-goal total of three.
Despite the offensive barrage that she faced, senior goalkeeper Jennifer Thorsheim was able to save the ball 16 times in the entire game.
“I am so proud of this team and everything we have accomplished throughout the season,” Thorsheim stated after traveling back from the game in Geneva.
Thorsheim made a diving save in the second half with 22 minutes left in the second half and again with seconds left, sending the game to the first overtime period.
Despite her heroic efforts, the Garnet were finally able to put one past her, as they found the back of the net five minutes in the second overtime.
Senior forward Alyssa Bolger gave hope for the River Hawks midway through the second half, but Swarthmore junior goalkeeper Amy Shmoys was able to knock the ball out of play.
In the first overtime period the River Hawks had another shot when junior midfielder Kate Cantrell crossed the crossed the ball to senior midfielder Gracelynn Jukes but Shmoys was able to block it and pushout of play.
Juckes led the River Hawks with two shots on the day.
Swarthmore senior forward Hannah Lichtenstein led the team and the match with a total of nine shots.
During the second overtime period, Swarthmore junior forward Marin McCoy had possession of the ball in the right wing and passed it into the box. Senior forward Katie Dougherty ran up on the ball and managed to hit the back of the net for the win.
Swarthmore goalie Amy Shomys led the team with three saves on the day.
This win for Swarthmore gave them a spot in the next match of the tournament facing off against William Smith College, where Swarthmore lost their next game 2-0.
“Overall, this has been a really great and exciting season for us,” junior Emily Sullivan said. “We broke some school records and being a part of that is an amazing feeling.”
With the loss, the women’s soccer team ended the season with a record of 14-5-2. Congratulations to the team on a historic year.