Box Score MADISON, N.J. (Nov. 1, 2014) – Junior midfielder Mel Santos scored the lone goal and sophomore goalkeeper Andee Higgins recorded a shutout as the Drew University women's soccer team clinched a berth in the Landmark Conference Championships as the fourth seed by defeating Moravian College, 1-0, at Ranger Stadium on Saturday in the regular season finale.
 
Despite a 5-11 overall record entering a possible final game of the season, the Rangers essentially entered a playoff game on Saturday with Moravian knowing a win over the Greyhounds (7-10-1, 2-4-1) would ensure a trip to the Landmark Conference playoffs. The 1-0 victory on Saturday allows the Rangers a chance to defend their 2013 Landmark Championship in the league tournament, which they won as the No. 3 seed one year ago.
 
"We had players understand today that they had to step up," said head coach Christa Racine. "Katie Weber was one of those players, along with Andee and Shannon Slowey in the back, and Mel's vocal and skillful leadership. One big difference today was our players having the drive to get to the ball first. There was awesome energy on the field knowing that a win got us in the playoffs."
 
Despite being outshot 11-4, the Rangers managed to squeak away with the win thanks to a well-placed and confident shot by Drew's captain in the midfield. Santos led the charge for the Rangers, taking two shots on goal, one of which was the lone score of the game. The goal, Santos' fourth of the year, came at 24 minutes into the game when sophomore midfielder Sabrina Rodrigues fed her in close to the net. Santos ripped a shot high and just to the left of the diving Moravian goalie.
 
Santos took two of the three Ranger shots on goal and two of the four shots.
 
"For a team with not a lot of experience coming in, we had to focus on playing together in one of the most meaningful games of the year," Santos said. "We had a lot of adrenaline running through our bodies and I couldn't be more proud of being a member of this team right now. I saw Sabrina was looking to hit the ball one-time, so I was ready to crash the goal. When it ended up on my feet, I knew it would be one of our best chances to score so I took a touch and did my best. It was great watching it go in. We have to bring everything we brought today to the playoffs and anything can happen."
 
Moravian made several pushes toward erasing that Rangers lead but ultimately came up short. With six minutes remaining in regulation, a Moravian forward struck one that caromed off the inside of the post, inches from the net. The ball scooted away from scoring area and into the arms of Higgins.
 
Higgins shut the Greyhounds out, registering three saves in the effort. It was Higgins' second career shutout and fifth career win.
 
"It was the first game we put together a full 90 minutes and you can tell that everyone was trying to leave it out there today," Higgins said. "Everything was solid today from defending, to making runs and hustling. I'm still trying to calm down! We knew it would be a struggle, and now that we're in we really believe we can continue this run."
 
Drew enters the Landmark Conference playoffs for the third straight season. The fourth-seeded Rangers will travel to top-seed The Catholic University of America (13-1-3, 6-0-1) in the semifinals on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m.