(Story courtesy of Trinity University Athletics Communications)
SCRANTON, Pa. -- 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 delivered the decisive goal, assisted by Alex Doran and Michaela Bosco. This marked Kriek's first goal of both the season and her collegiate career, as well as her first career game-winner.
Lauryn Lewis 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 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 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 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)
