CEDARVILLE, Ohio - No.17 and seventh-seeded McKendree University women's soccer (13-2-5) closed out its historic 2022 campaign on Thursday evening in Ohio after dropping its first-round outing to the site host and second-seeded Cedarville Yellow Jackets, 3-1. The Bearcats fought back after going down 1-0 in the first half to tie it early in the second 45 minutes of play but were unable to contain a strong Cedarville attack. McKendree closes out its 2022 campaign which featured a program-first unbeaten regular season slate along with six All-GLVC selections along with a major award in junior forward
Anna Stiffler's GLVC Offensive Player of the Year honor.
McKendree entered the first round matchup with the Yelow Jackets looking for a second berth to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Bearcats and Jackets fought over possession for the majority of the first half, as McKendree fired four shots and earned four corners and the Jackets sent five shots and drew two corner kicks.
Cedarville broke the ice in the 32nd minute with a goal by Sophie Browndyke following a right cross into the box by Maya Ryder. The Yellow Jackets held the 1-0 advantage going into the halftime intermission period.
During the opening minutes of the second half, the Bearcats ferociously came back with a score in the 48th minute of play by sophomore forward
Lena Higgins. Higgins made a run with Stiffler and junior midfielder
Katie Spotanski, as Spotanski played the ball off to Stiffler. Stiffler received the pass and worked down the field, finding Higgins for the one on one situation against the goalie. The sophomore then fired it across the net to knot the game at one goal each.
The two-seeded Yellow Jackets earned a penalty kick in the 80th minute, firing the PK for a goal and to take the lead. In the 90th minute, Cedarville found the back of the net on a high and long shot, assuring its victory over the Bearcats.
McKendree concluded its 2022 season and sixth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance with the loss, which was just its second of the year.
Spotanski and junior midfielder
Reagan Mauch led the team in shots with three each while Higgins fired two. Five others fired a shot for the Bearcats as well.
SCORING RECAP
48' | #10 F
Lena Higgins (3) via #21 F
Anna Stiffler (2)
UP NEXT
McKendree women's soccer will take the field in the spring with training and spring outings. Schedule will be posted once available.
