Misericordia Women’s Soccer Team Eyes Final Four: A Showdown with Christopher Newport Awaits
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | November 21, 2024 | Photo courtesy Tony Gruenloh
Misericordia University’s women’s soccer team, ranked sixth, will head to Virginia for the NCAA Division III Tournament's third round, where four of the top 18 teams nationwide will compete in a sectional bracket.On Saturday at 11:00 a.m., the Cougars are set to clash with second-ranked Christopher Newport in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Johns Hopkins and NYU, both tied for 18th in the United Soccer Coaches rankings, will play against each other at 1:30. The victors of these matches will compete on Sunday at 1:00 for a chance to advance to the Final Four. With a record of 19-1-2, Misericordia is making its seventh appearance in the round of 16 and will face Christopher Newport for the first time in history. In the initial round of the tournament, the Cougars secured a 3-1 victory over Grove City. Their progression to the Sweet 16 came after a closely contested match against Ithaca, which was tied 1-1 with less than ten minutes remaining when senior Madison Brdaric executed a brilliant play at the right corner flag, crossing the ball to Samantha Bardonner, who scored the decisive goal. Emma Sweitzer then added a security goal in the 89th minute, clinching the win for the Cougars and ensuring their spot in the Sweet 16.
