MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – Penn state Harrisburg‘s record-breaking women’s soccer season concluded Saturday with a hard-fought 2-1 defeat to Mary Washington in the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen, held at Middlebury College’s South Street Field. The loss ends the most successful season in program history for the Lions.
Penn State Harrisburg finished the 2025 campaign with a program-best 16 wins, securing their fourth conference championship adn achieving their first-ever Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Despite the setback, the team’s journey marks a meaningful milestone for the program and its dedicated players and coaching staff.
The Lions (16-6-4) conceded the first goal in the 19th minute when Taylor Garofalo capitalized on a through ball, and Mary Washington (15-5-3) extended their lead to 2-0 with a goal from Layla Royster in the 55th minute.
Penn state Harrisburg rallied late in the second half, ultimately scoring on a header from Abigail Frew off a free kick delivered by Ciera Frick with 15:38 remaining. Despite earning two more corner kicks, including one in the final 86 seconds, the Lions were unable to find the equalizer.
Mary Washington held a slight edge in total shots (10-8) and shots on goal (4-3), while Penn State Harrisburg dominated corner kicks with a 7-1 advantage.Frew’s goal was her second of the postseason and fall season,and frick recorded her sixth assist of the year. Alexis Valenta recorded two saves for the Lions.
