Box Score The Calvin women's soccer season ended on Saturday evening with a 3-0 loss to Loras in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Loras (19-0-1) came to play in the early minutes of the game as it attacked the goal aggressively against Calvin (14-4-1). It didn't take long for the Duhawks to get on the board as they were able to score off a corner and take a 1-0 lead over the Knights. Loras added to its lead just six minutes later on a penalty kick after a hand ball in the box to extend the lead to 2-0.
The Knights struggled to get good looks early on as the Duhawk defense was holding strong against their attacks. In the 19th minute of the match, Loras was able to put another on the back on the net to secure a strong 3-0 lead in the first half.
Sophomore Elizabeth Williams (Grand Rapids, MI / Grand Rapids Christian) had the best chance for the Knights with a strike outside the box, but the Loras' keeper made the save. Calvin went into halftime trailing 3-0.
The Knights had more opportunities in the second half as the Duhawks played more defense to hold their lead. Calvin's chances came later into the second in the 72nd minute where senior Hailey Niles (Syracuse, NY / Onondaga CC) had a great shot on goal, but the keeper made the save. Sophomore Sophie Mueller (North Muskegon, MI / North Muskegon) had another look on net, but it again was saved.
Calvin was unable to get on the board and fell to Loras 3-0 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Knights ended the season with an overall record of 14-3-1 and finished 7-1-0 in conference and were Regular Season MIAA Champions. The Knights also earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015 where they also claimed a 2-1 win over MSOE in the first round.
COACHES COMMENTS: "Tough way to end our season, but very happy with the soccer we played tonight and the way we competed this weekend," said Head Coach Emily Ottenhoff. "Overall, our program took another step forward this year. Winning another regular season title and earning an at-large bid back in the NCAA Tournament. Very pleased with our progress."
COACHES SENIOR SALUTE: "Credit to our senior group Meghan Gamrat, Kyra Schofield, Hailey Niles, Sarah Hoekwater, Maria VanderLei, Jessie Paulson and Emily Orr. A mix of two classes that came together to serve our team this year. This is the first group I coached for 4 years, we've been through a lot together, and I was so happy to watch them experience their first NCAA Tournament. We will miss being around them, but thankful for the work they've put into this program and the legacy they leave behind."
