WILKES-BARRE, PA (October 14, 2023) -- The King's College women's soccer team put in a valiant effort against #21 nationally ranked Misericordia University. Although the Monarchs fell 3-0, the squad fought tooth and nail until the last second.

King's (5-6-2, 1-1-1) went into today's Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) contest knowing they would have to battle hard to come out with a result against Misericordia (9-3-1, 3-0-0). The Monarchs handled their own in the first half applying pressure on the Cougar defense, along with playing tremendous defense of their own, blocking numerous Misericordia shots.

The Cougars eventually found the back of the net in the 19^th minute after the ball bounced around in front of the goal and finally found its way in off the foot of Madison Brdaric. Misericordia
scored again in the 27^th minute as Maegan Allspach sniped the ball into the goal off the bottom of the crossbar.

King's went into the half down 2-0 ,even though Cady McKean and Brooke Finlay both had shots for the Monarchs. Aspen Wallin tallied five great saves for the Monarchs in the first half, keeping her team in the game.

The second half of action nearly mirrored the first, as Misericordia pounded the Monarchs net, but struggled to score goals due to King's tremendous defensive efforts. Across the game the Monarchs faced 31 shots and were able to prevent 28 of them from finding the net. In addition, the Monarchs still had their takes at a goal as Jenna Waldbillig and Leah Sankey both took great shots that nearly turned the match into a one score game late in the frame. 

Haleigh Wintersteen was able to score one more goal for the Cougars in the 89^th minute to put her team up 3-0 in the closing minutes.

Despite their loss, the Monarchs proved they could contend with nationally ranked talent. The Monarchs defense was admirable in their rainy afternoon loss. Offensively McKean, Finlay, Sankey, and Waldbillig had shot attempts that kept King's mentally in the game. In goal Wallin had five saves in the first half, and Ashlyn Crawford picked up three saves in the second frame of play.

Wintersteen, Allspach, and Brdaric led the Cougars to their third MAC Freedom win of the season.

The Monarchs next game will be played at McCarthy Stadium Tuesday, October 17 as they play host to Stevens. Kickoff is set for 7 pm.