Season Ends for Women’s Soccer

Just like in their matchup in mid-October, the Pioneers took care of business against Caldwell University on Friday, Nov. 11, winning 3-0 in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Tournament in Garden City, N.Y.
The victory advanced the Pioneers to the second round for the third consecutive season, and improved the team’s record to 15-3-2 on the season.

The opening goal came from sophomore forward, Andrea Huntzinger, in the 12th minute, heading the ball past the keeper. Assisting on the tally was Julia Backman.

Backman wasn’t finished there. She was back less than 10 minutes later, this time scoring on a pass from Klara Berggren to double the lead.

The Pioneers defense was stellar, limiting the opposition to zero shots on net in the first 30 minutes, and just two in the first 45. Freshman midfielder Medina Mulic rounded out the scoring at the 65-minute mark, making it 3-0 to LIU.

Sophomore goalie, Hillevi Eklow, made five saves for the Pioneers, earning another shutout.

Women’s soccer returned to the pitch on Sunday, Nov. 13, against top-seeded Adelphi University in the second round of the tournament, and suffered a 2-1 loss.

The match, played on Adelphi soil, saw its first goal in the 21st minute from Jeanine Nunez for the hosts. Less than ten minutes later, Laura Gomez put Adelphi up two goals with a shot from the left side, which also found the mesh.

At the break, the team trailed 2-0 and was outshot by one. Although the second half saw the shot margin grow larger in favor of the hosts, the Pioneers did manage to cut the lead in half on a goal from Huntzinger in the 71st minute. Even though the team rallied late, it was not enough as Adelphi held on for the win in the knockout stage of the NCAA tournament.

For the season, the Pioneers finished 15- 4-2. The team will look to continue its success next fall.