Women's Soccer Bows Out of NCAA Tournament

BALTIMORE, Md. - The Worcester State University women's soccer team saw its 2019 season come to a close on Saturday evening, falling 2-0 to #7 Christopher Newport University in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

With the loss, Worcester State's season comes to a close with an overall record of 11-8-2.

Worcester State had a glorious opportunity to score the game's first goal in the eighth minute, when freshman Haley Mignon (Tewksbury, Mass.) had a foot race with the Captain goalkeeper for a loose ball. Mignon would have had a breakaway had she won the race, but the keeper got there first and cleared the ball out of danger.

Despite a hefty 21-4 shot advantage in the opening half, Christopher Newport was unable to break through, and the teams went to the break scoreless. Worcester State goalkeeper Ashley Spellman (Lancaster, Mass.) recorded eight saves in the opening 45 minutes alone. 

It took until the 61st minute for the Captains to finally break through. On a corner kick, Molly Beegle headed home a cross to put Christopher Newport ahead. Another headed goal exactly a minute and a half later, this time from Hailey Shaw, would be all the offense the Captains would need en route to their win. 

The game finished with Christopher Newport holding a shot advantage of 37-8. Spellman recorded 12 saves in the defeat.

Christopher Newport advances to face the regional hosts from Johns Hopkins University in Sunday's Second Round game. Johns Hopkins defeated Penn State-Berks in other First Round action on Saturday.

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