SCRANTON, Pa. — The fourth-seeded Drew University women's soccer team saw its postseason run come to an end Saturday evening, falling 1-0 to second-seeded University of Scranton in the Landmark Conference championship match at Weiss Field.
With the victory, the Royals (11-1-7) receive an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III Championships while claiming their seventh-straight Landmark title.
The Rangers, who were making their fourth appearance in the Landmark Conference final and their first since 2022, close out the season with a record of 6-3-9 and a 3-1-5 mark in conference play under first-year Head Coach
Ray Goon.
Scranton struck in the 14th minute when Alexis Ocasio scored on her own corner kick, sending an inswinger just inside the far post for all of the offense the Royals would need.
Senior goalkeeper
Sarah Crowley helped keep Drew within striking distance, finishing with six saves. She made three stops in the opening eight minutes as Scranton applied early offensive pressure.
Drew generated several scoring opportunities throughout the contest, including first-half shots on goal from freshman
Hannah Stahl and sophomore
Maddie Gottschling. Both attempts were turned away by Scranton goalkeeper Makenzie Van Arsdale.
The Rangers increased their offensive pressure in the second half, recording six of their nine shots after halftime. Sophomore
Riley Bent had an opportunity to level the match in the 70th minute, but Van Arsdale came up with final stop of the night.
Drew continued to push forward in the closing minutes but was unable to break through.
Stahl led the Rangers offensively with five shots, including one on goal. Scranton held a 20-9 advantage in total shots and an 8-3 edge in shots on goal. The Royals also finished with a 10-4 surplus in corner kicks while Van Arsdale recorded three saves.
Drew reached the final following a 1-0 first-round victory over Elizabethtown College and a penalty-kick shootout victory over top-seeded Catholic University following a 0-0 tie in the semifinals.
