GENEVA, N.Y. - An historic 2024 season came to an end for Penn State Harrisburg's women's soccer team with a narrow 2-1 setback at No. 11 William Smith in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 16.
 

Trailing 1-0 midway through the second half, the Lions (10-6-5) answered with the equalizer when Julia Hughes pressed the issue, poked a ball from a Heron player, and fired her attempt past William Smith goalkeeper Kirsten Nelson and into the back of the net in the 64th minute to give the visitors new life. 
 

The nationally-ranked Herons (13-3-4) answered back, however, and converted what proved to be the deciding goal seven minutes later when Nell Dwyer scored off a Ruth Hotaling assist with 18:19 left to play. 
 

William Smith struck first in the opening minutes when a corner kick led to possession for the Herons and eventually allowed Kaleigh Darby to finish off a back heel touch from Moira Putt to give the home team the early advantage at the 38:46 mark. 
 

NOTABLES
- Saturday was just the second NCAA Tournament game in program history.
- William Smith outshot the Lions 11-5 overall and 6-3 in shots on frame.
- The Herons finished with a 5-3 edge in corner kicks.
- Hughes' marker was her 11th of the season. Hers is the highest single-season scoring mark since the 2019 campaign.
- Sydney Mulka made four saves in goal for Penn State Harrisburg.
 

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.