Kansas City, Mo. – Despite nine saves from freshman goalkeeper Melissa Torres (La Mirada, Calif./La Mirada), the No. 17 Mercy College women's soccer team dropped a 3-0 decision to No. 1 University of Central Missouri in an NCAA Tournament National Semifinal matchup on Thursday afternoon at Swope Soccer Village.
The Mavericks (18-4-1) see their season come to an end with a new school record in wins and the program's first-ever East Region Championship and Final Four appearance. The Jennies (25-0) will meet up with Carson-Newman in the National Championship Game on Saturday.
Senior Heidi Serna had a team high three shots and one shot on goal, while sophomore Jessica Brandt recorded the Mavericks other shot on goal. Torres made a season high nine saves to take the loss.
Central Missouri received goals from Megan Woolley, Makayla Toth and Jada Scott, while Abby Rhodes contributed an assist. Goalkeeper Ana Dilkes made two saves to earn the win in net.
The Mavericks faced a tall task in taking on a Jennies team that hadn't lost a game all season and was ranked first in the nation. After a pair of early shots from Central Missouri, Woolley put the Jennies on the board in the 14th minute when she fired a shot from eight yards out to the left post that found its way into the net.
Torres made two saves before Toth scored the second Central Missouri goal of the day in the 19th minute to put the Jennies up 2-0. It remained 2-0 heading into halftime with Central Missouri holding a 10-2 edge in shots.
The second half saw the Jennies add a penalty kick goal in the 57th minute to give them a 3-0 lead. Despite the deficit, the Mavericks continued to battle and would force Dilkes to make a save and would have another shot hit the post. However, Mercy could not find the back of the net and their historic season would come to an end as Central Missouri earned the 3-0 victory.
Central Missouri held a 24-9 edge in shots, while Mercy held a 6-1 edge in corner kicks.
Provided by the Mercy Sports Information Department.
