After winning the Patriot League Championship in penalty kicks, the women’s soccer team entered the NCAA tournament. The Bison traveled to Columbus, Ohio to take on The Ohio State in the first round. The Bison were minutes away from a third penalty shootout when Ohio State managed to score the only goal to end the match.

This game against Ohio State marked the Bison’s sixth appearance in the NCAA tournament and their first match to go into extra time without letting up any goals. The Bison have had six shutouts through their last seven games and have only let up one goal in those seven. 

The Blue and Orange’s defense held the team together. The defensive back line, Meghan White ’26, Olivia DeConinck ’25, Brooke Tracey ’24 and Katie Schiano ’25 played the entirety of the game and prevented Ohio State from scoring for 106 minutes. Keeper Jenna Hall ’24 once again had an impressive performance with eight saves.

Despite only having eight shots on goal, the Bison had two of the best opportunities to score in regulation. Abby Gearhart ’23 came close after getting past two Ohio State defenders with the help of a quick pass from Petie Nassetta ’23. Gearhart’s shot was blocked by a diving save from the opposing team’s keeper.

Another close opportunity came in minute 83 when Hannah Stuck ’24 got her head on White’s free kick. Despite the ball reaching the back of the net, the referees called a foul on Stuck and waved off the goal. 

Ohio State’s winning goal came in the minute 107 of the match.

“My team and I were extremely proud of our season this year! We proved ourselves once again to the entire league,” Hall said. “Also, the NCAA thought very highly of us to put us against a number six seed Ohio State rather than a number one or number two seed like last year.”

The Bison ended their outstanding season with a record of 8-6-6. They had 11 shutouts and finished with 15 goals in just 20 games. 

“We are planning on putting in a ton of work during this off season to prepare once again for a strong season in the fall,” Hall said.