Box Score NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Western Connecticut State University was edged, 2-1, by Franklin & Marshal College in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Division III Championships at Christopher Newport University on Saturday afternoon.
The Diplomats will take on Christopher Newport in the second round at Captains Field on Sunday at 3 pm. The hosts defeated Cabrini University, 2-0 in the early match on Saturday.
Junior
Myah Croze (Bristol, Conn.) gave WestConn a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute. She was set up with a short pass in the middle by
Hannah Daly (Newtown, Conn.) and drilled the ball through the hands of the Diplomats keeper Emily Senko at the 7:10 mark. It was Croze's 27th goal of the season and her only shot attempt of the game.
WestConn, which closes out its season at 18-2, was out shot on Saturday, 22-7
Franklin & Marshall, 14-3-3, drew even 1-1 when Haley Barge finished off a pass from Maija Woodruff with 7:19 remaining in the first half. Barge scored her ninth goal of the year after lofting the ball over the head of WestConn net minder
Karly Martin (Bristol, Conn.)
The deadlock held through intermission, but not much longer. Sierra Brophy scored the unassisted game-winner 3:28 into the second half. She made a long run up the sideline and split two defenders before releasing her team-leading 14th goal of the season.
After allowing just two shot attempts over the first 45 minutes, the Diplomats defense clamped down the rest of the way.
Martin made seven saves while Senko turned away a pair of shots in the victory.
WestConn was making its 15th appearance in the national tournament.
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