TOPEKA, KS – Advancing to a level reached by only one other team in program history, the historic 2026 season for the University of Mary women's soccer team came to a close today in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.
After winning a Northern Sun conference title for the first time in program history, the Marauders earned the 5
th seed in the NCAA Division II Central region tournament. The NCAA playoff berth is just the second for the Marauders program.
Facing 4
th seeded University of Central Missouri in a bracket hosted by Washburn University in Topeka, KS, the Marauders held a significant margin for shots but was unable to dent the net in a 5-0 loss to the Jennies.
The Marauders previous NCAA tournament game occurred in 2007, also against Central Missouri.
In a closely played first half, the both teams had early opportunities but is was the Jennies who struck first with a goal in the 20' on a shot by Hadley Lockhart.
UMary followed the UCM goal with nine shots before intermission in hopes of finding an equalizer, with
Maicee Burke providing the lone shot on frame.
Before UMary could find a chance to gain momentum in the second half, Central Missouri doubled its lead at 47:23.
Over the next 17 minutes, UMary attacked with a frenzy, ripping off nine straight shots with seven on frame, including two by
Alex Guinn. However, a counter-attack by the Jennies turned into a successful penalty kick opportunity for UCM and a 3-0 lead with 25 minutes left in the game. The Jennies then salted the game away with two goals in the last 12 minutes.
The Marauders held the advantage in shots (29-15) and shots on frame (13-10).
Dina Polanco, one of the nation's leaders in shots and shots on frame, took five shots with three on target.
Matilda Walker also had five shots and Guinn matched Polanco for shots on net with three.
All-NSIC goalkeeper
Kadyn Dilger finished with five saves. Kristen Wright had 11 for UCM in just over 80 minutes of play.
It was the final game for UMary seniors
Chloe Brand and
Payton Kooiman.
UMary finishes the season 13-4-3 under the direction of NSIC Coach of the Year
Sarah Cook. UCM improves to 15-2-4 and advances to play Washburn on Sunday, November 15.
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