Center Valley, PA-The Bryn Mawr soccer team opened the 2026 regular season play on Tuesday afternoon, taking on DeSales University. Despite a strong showing from the Owls' defense and goalkeeper Lily Blackman, a second-half surge from the Bulldogs proved to be the difference as Bryn Mawr fell short, 3-1.
Highlights:
-
The Owls opened the match with a strong defensive effort, holding DeSales scoreless throughout the first half behind a standout performance from goalkeeper Lily Blackman. Blackman tallied three of her seven saves in the opening period, turning away multiple opportunities and helping Bryn Mawr enter halftime locked in a scoreless tie.
-
First-year Meesha Akbar made an impact in her collegiate debut, scoring her first career goal and the Owls' first goal of the 2026 season. After her initial attempt was saved, Akbar stayed with the play and buried the rebound in the 62nd minute, cutting the DeSales lead to 2-1 and putting Bryn Mawr right back in the match.
-
DeSales broke through the Owls' defense in the opening minute of the second half as Kelsey Bedics found the left corner to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 advantage. Bedics struck again in the 58th minute to extend the lead to 2-0 before Akbar answered for Bryn Mawr just minutes later.
-
Bryn Mawr continued to battle and search for the equalizer following Akbar's goal, keeping the pressure on the Bulldogs as the match moved into its final stretch. DeSales eventually added an insurance goal in the 77th minute to secure the 3-1 final.
-
Blackman anchored the Owls defensively throughout the afternoon, finishing with seven saves on 10 shots on goal. Her performance helped Bryn Mawr withstand consistent pressure and keep the match within reach.
The Owls continue their season on the road on Saturday, September 5th at 2:00 PM against Hood College in Frederick, MD. Tune into the game live on gobrynmawr.com and follow @bmcathletics on social media to stay up to date with your favorite Bryn Mawr teams!
Â
