Christendom’s women’s soccer team took second place in the USCAA DII National Championship game, falling to the University of Cincinnati Clermont in the final game of their incredible season. The national championship game came after a hard-fought weekend of close games for the Crusaders, which saw them overcome an overtime loss in the first round to beat the #2 seed in their pool and earn a shot at the title – only for the second time in program history.
The women’s soccer team entered the USCAA National Championship tournament as the #3 seed overall, following a remarkable season that saw them go 10-1-3 overall – including a streak of thirteen games without a loss to close their season.
They traveled up to Pennsylvania on Friday, beginning the tournament with a pool play matchup against Paul Smith’s College. The game was hard-fought on both sides, with neither defense refusing to yield over the course of ninety minutes. Finally, with ten seconds left in the first round of overtime, Paul Smith’s managed to score the game-winning goal off a deflected shot, handing Christendom their first loss since August.
Catherine Thomas was named a 1st Team All-American by the USCAA for her contributions to Christendom’s historic run.
Christendom would have to wait an entire day to determine their fate, taking on Southwest Adventist in the final round of pool play. In order to advance to the championship game, Christendom not only had to win but win by 2 goals or more – against a team ranked higher than them.
The game was remarkably similar to the first game of pool play for Christendom – until minute 44. Ava Hudson played the ball into the box as time was about to expire, passing the ball to Maria Blank who scored with nine seconds left in the half. With the momentum now behind them, Christendom got to work again in the second half. After the first fifteen minutes, Christendom drew a foul from about 35 yards out, with Hudson stepping up for a free kick. Rather than pay the ball into the box, Hudson decided to go for the long goal, launching an incredible shot over the outstretched arms of the goalie to give the team the 2-0 lead they needed. That would be more than enough for Christendom, with the team holding on to win under the lights in Pennsylvania and earning only their second trip to the USCAA National Championship in program history.
On Sunday, the team arrived in Highmark Stadium with the city of Pittsburgh glittering in the distance for the national championship game against Cincinnati Clermont. The team has proven to be a tough matchup for Christendom in the past and proved to be again, going up early on the team in the first half. With the momentum now behind them, Cincinnati Clermont held on to win, handing Christendom only their third loss of the season.
Despite the loss, Christendom still finished as the national champion runners-up for only the second time in program history, thanks to outstanding performances and coaching. Hudson, Blank, and Georgia Francis were all named to the USCAA DII All-Tournament Team for their contributions to Christendom’s second-place finish.
Maria Blank was one of three Christendom players named to the USCAA All-Tournament Team.
In addition, multiple players were honored with end-of-season awards from the USCAA. Miranda Keller and Catherine Thomas were both named 1st-Team All-Americans, while Theresa Luckey and Colleen Kosten both earned Honorable Mentions as well.
The 2024 season may be over, but Christendom’s women’s soccer team will be back and ready for another national championship run next year. For more information about the team and Christendom Athletics, visit www.christendomathletics.com.