MIDDLEBURY, VT – The #15 Bryn Mawr Owls put up a valiant effort on Saturday in their first-ever appearance in the second round of the NCAA Championship, facing off against the six-time NCAA champions, #2 Middlebury College. Despite an outstanding performance from Owls' goalkeeper
Charlene Basque and a resolute defensive effort, Bryn Mawr ultimately fell to the Panthers, 9-0.
Highlights:
- Bryn Mawr's defense was tested early and often, with Middlebury coming out strong. Just over a minute into the first quarter, the Panthers made a push for the lead, but Basque was quick to make the stop, denying a shot from inside the circle. The Panthers kept the pressure on, and a rising attempt by Caroline Segal was blocked by Basque's right pad midway through the period. However, Middlebury finally broke through with just 1:01 left in the first quarter, taking a 1-0 lead into the break.
- In the second quarter, the Panthers capitalized on a penalty corner, doubling their lead to 2-0 just 1:34 into the frame. Bryn Mawr, undeterred, responded with its best chance of the period at the 6:58 mark when first-year Lucie Burgess fired a shot on goal, only to see Middlebury's goalkeeper Madeline DiLemme make the save. The Panthers continued to dominate offensively, extending their lead to 4-0 by halftime.
- Middlebury came out in the second half determined to put the game out of reach and launched 20 shots in the final 30 minutes. At the 2:07 mark of the fourth quarter, Bryn Mawr earned a penalty corner, with Annick van Blerkom taking the insertion. Senior Novy Goetgeluk had a strong follow-up shot that was blocked by Middlebury's defense, but it was clear the Owls were giving everything they had.
- With just under six minutes remaining in the game, sophomore goalkeeper Peri Mulveny entered the game for Bryn Mawr, making an impressive stop with her entire body to deny another goal from Middlebury, and kept the score at 9-0.
The game also marked the final appearance for Bryn Mawr's graduate student
Izzy Robinson-Cloete and seniors
Reba Ervin,
Novy Goetgeluk,
Charlotte Hauptman,
Hazel Miller,
Sophie Vagts, Lillith Weinlick, and
Eva Yacura. Their leadership and contributions to the program will not be forgotten as the Owls look ahead to next season.
Despite the tough result, the Owls should be proud of their historic run in the NCAA tournament and the strong individual performances, particularly from Basque, who recorded an impressive 17 saves against one of the nation's best teams.
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