Last week, The Scranton Women’s Soccer team defeated Catholic University in the conference championship here on Fitzpatrick field, Scranton, PA. Goals from sophomore Rebecca Hextall and junior Sarah Gibbons secured their win again Catholic, who held a 12-7 record this season. Defeating Catholic also secured the Royals automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament. The Royals earned the title of Landmark Conference Champions 2011, marking Scranton’s eighteenth conference championship overall.
The Royals finished their season with thirteen wins and lost only four games. With their two senior captains leading them, Christina Cognetti and Megan Heaslip, the team headed to Ohio this weekend to face the nationally ranked Ohio Northern in the first round of the NCAA Division III tournament. Both teams remained relentless in their possession of the ball with evenly matched shots on each other. After over ninety minutes plus overtime, the Royals were defeated by Ohio Northern with a final score of 1-0.
The Royals graduate two of their star players this year, senior captains Christina Cognetti and Megan Heaslip. Both valuable members of the team since 2008, they led their team this season to victory, finishing their career in the NCAA Division III tournament. After a remarkable season, the Royal named two of their all-star members players of the week. Sophomore Rebecca Hextall and junior Jessica Sciscione were named Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week in the Landmark Conference. The Royals are proud of their season and looking forward to returning next year even stronger.