Last Tuesday, October 31, the Ducks earned their MAC Freedom Championship berth with a shutout 2-0 win over third-seed Arcadia University.
Stevens jumped on Arcadia early, firing off 13 shots in the opening 20 minutes but was unable to find the back of the net. The Ducks continued to put pressure on the Knights but still were unable to get a goal as the score remained 0-0 at the half. Coming out of the break, it did not take Stevens long to convert, as senior Amelia Rehrig scored the winning goal with an assist from graduate Rachel Rouse just 21 seconds into the second half. Six minutes later, the Ducks doubled their tally as the Knights gave up an own goal. Senior goalkeeper Dana Perry was able to hold on, making two saves and seal the Ducks’ 2-0 victory at home.
The following Saturday, November 4, the Ducks finished their MAC Freedom Championship Tournament in an overtime match, falling 2-1 to the top-seed Misericordia University.
The Cougars scored just three minutes into the game and continued the pressure throughout the half. Stevens got its first shot on target of the game right before the half, as junior Olivia Castro had a shot saved. Coming out of the break the Cougars led 1-0, but Stevens responded in the second half with three shots on target in the first eight minutes. In the 55th minute, the Ducks found the back of the net with a goal from Rehrig assisted by senior Elsa Bley. The score remained 1-1 and the two teams went into overtime. Misericordia scored in the 104th minute, but Stevens was not able to answer back, and the Cougars secured the MAC Freedom title.
The Lady Ducks hoped to receive an at-large berth during the NCAA Tournament selection showcase since they did not clinch an automatic berth. The selection show took place on Monday, and the Ducks did not receive an invitation. Despite not receiving an invitation, the Women’s Soccer Team finished its season 9-7-2 and had a seven-game winning streak in season which is the program’s longest since it won 15-straight in 2019.
