SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA - Trinity University Women's Soccer advances to the Elite Eight with an overtime victory over Scranton.
The Tigers (18-1-3, 10-0 SCAC) earned a thrilling 1-0 overtime victory over host University of Scranton.
Ellie Kriek (New Orleans, Louisiana / The Willow School) delivered the decisive goal, assisted by
Alex Doran (Boerne, Texas / Geneva School of Boerne) and
Michaela Bosco (Weatherford, Texas / Weatherford). This marked Kriek's first goal of both the season and her collegiate career, as well as her first career game-winner.
Lauryn Lewis (Carrollton, Texas / Creekview) was outstanding in goal, making nine saves to tie for fifth all-time in program history for saves in a single game. Her 14th shutout of the season moves her into a tie for second place in program history for shutouts in a season.
This victory marks Trinity's eighth overall NCAA Quarterfinal appearance and the first since head coach
Dylan Harrison's debut season in 2016. The Tigers improve to 36-20-13 in NCAA Playoff matches and remain undefeated against Scranton with a 2-0 all-time record.
The Rundown
Just four minutes into the match,
Madisyn Barganski (Corpus Christi, Texas / Flour Bluff) found herself inside the 18-yard box and fired a shot wide left. Shortly after, Lewis made two crucial saves just six minutes apart to keep the Royals at bay.
Bri Werner (Woodbine, Maryland / Glenelg) recorded the Tigers' first shot on goal with a strike from outside the goalie box, but it was saved by the Scranton keeper. Following a shot by
Malea Cesar (Portland, Oregon / Sunset) in the 20th minute, neither team managed another attempt for the rest of the half, leaving the score tied 0-0 at halftime.
The second half saw Werner and Barganski launch shots from outside the box, but both were blocked by Scranton's defense. In the 55th minute, the Royals threatened with a shot from just outside the goalie box, but Lewis made another swift save. Later, Bosco unleashed a powerful shot from beyond the 18, only to have it stopped by the Scranton keeper. The Royals nearly broke the deadlock in the 86th minute with a strike heading for the top right corner, but Lewis made a heroic save with an outstretched hand. Scranton's final attempt hit the woodwork, and regulation ended scoreless.
Overtime began with a high-energy push by the Tigers. A long-distance shot on target forced a save from the Scranton goalie, earning Trinity a crucial corner kick. Bosco delivered a short cross, which deflected off a defender. Doran controlled the loose ball and passed it to Kriek, who chipped a shot over the diving keeper. The Tigers erupted in celebration, securing a thrilling 1-0 victory and advancing to the NCAA Quarterfinals.
Up Next
The Tigers will play against Williams Smith tomorrow at 3:00 PM (ET)
