AMHERST, Mass.—Swarthmore College Women's Soccer advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, eliminating the Misericordia University Cougars 2-1 on Saturday afternoon. The Garnet move on to face No. 13 Amherst on Sunday.
Caroline Coats and
Hannah Lichtenstein scored in the win, and
Amy Shmoys, getting the start in goal, recorded six saves.
Swarthmore (15-3) struck first, as defender (and former forward)
Caroline Coats navigated her way up the right wing and caught the Misericordia goalkeeper off her line, chipping a shot in over her for the score. Coats' goal in the 24th minute was her first this season. She becomes the ninth Garnet player to find the back of the net this season.
Misericordia (17-4) hadn't allowed a goal in the past six games leading up to Saturday's contest.
The Cougars took advantage of a Swarthmore turnover in the backfield in the 40th minute to even the score at 1-1.
With the game knotted up entering the second half, the Garnet took two shots on goal in the beginning portion of the second period. In the 67th minute, the Garnet drew a foul at the perfect time. Swarthmore forward
Marin McCoy was manhandled within the box, setting up a penalty kick for Lichtenstein. Lichtenstein buried the shot past a diving keeper to give Swarthmore the 2-1 advantage.
Misericordia, however, didn't let up and Shmoys was forced to come up with three saves the rest of the way to protect the lead.
Swarthmore advances to second round of the NCAA Tournament for the second season in a row. The Garnet play at Amherst College on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
