DALLAS, PA (October 27, 2022) --- The King's College women's soccer faced number two nationally ranked Misericordia University on Thursday night, falling to the Cougars 6-1, as graduate goalkeeper Tara Bender made a career-high 16 saves. With the loss King's moves to 7-5-4 overall and 1-4-2 in MAC play, while Misericordia improves to 15-0-1 overall and 7-0 in conference play.

It was a fast start for Misericordia (15-0-1, 7-0) who tallied two corner kicks and three shots in the opening 2:15 of the match, before breaking through in the sixth minute on a goal from Kaylee Sturans off an assist from Emma Sweitzer at 5:34. Misericordia tallied the next 10 shots after the opening goal, as King's (7-5-4, 1-4-2) were under constant pressure, but Bender kept the Cougars at bay. Misericordia doubled their lead in the 24^th minute as Sweitzer beat Bender off an assist from Michaela Fasolino at 23:06. Bender continued to do her best to keep the score manageable before the Cougars added two goals in a five-minute span before halftime, to take a 4-0 lead into the break.

The second half began much like the first as the Cougars scored twice in the opening seven minutes on goals from Julia Beck and Sabrina Competiello. However, King's responded by taking advantage of their first opportunity of the game. Sophomore Liz Porto took the corner kick and played a brilliant ball into the box, which first-year Jenna Waldbillig was able to head into the near post to get the Monarchs on the board at 53:29. Bender made five more saves over the final 36 minutes, as King's fell 6-1.
Misericordia outshot King's 43-5 on the evening, including a 22-1 mark on shots on target, while holding a 14-1 advantage on corner kicks.

The Monarchs' attack was led by Waldbillig who tallied two points on her goal, converting her only opportunity of the match, while Porto collected one point with her assist. Junior Lauren Chapple, sophomores Ashley Dukehart and Leah Sankey, and first-year Megan Thompson all added a shot. Bender got the start in net and turned in an admirable performance against the high-powered Cougars attack turning aside a career-high 16 shots.

Sweitzer paced the Misericordia attack, tallying six points on two goals and two assists, while Sturans, Fasolino, Beck, and Competiello notched two points each. Three goalkeepers played for the Cougars as Madi Welliver made the start before giving way to Lauren Mondor who conceded one goal, and Emma Stroud.

King's will finish up the season on Saturday, as the Monarchs travel to Center Valley, PA to take on DeSales University at noon.