WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – The No. 8-ranked Shenandoah University field hockey team concluded its historic season in the NCAA Round of 16, falling 2-1 to No. 12 Messiah University.
The Hornets (19-3, 8-0 ODAC) found their lone goal through standout Mairead McKibbin, who tallied seven goals throughout the 2024 playoffs. After a scoreless first half, Messiah broke through with two quick goals by Leah Bryner in the third quarter to take a commanding 2-0 lead. McKibbin brought the Hornets back within striking distance late in the third, redirecting Camryn DeLeva's shot into the circle to make it 2-1. Despite building momentum in the final quarter, the Hornets were unable to find the equalizer. Messiah advances to face host Williams College in the third round.
The Falcons out shot Shenandoah 17-5, held a 7-2 advantage in shots on goal, and earned seven penalty corners to Shenandoah's four. Goalkeeper Taylor Swann delivered an excellent performance in the cage, making five key saves to keep her team in the game.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The match began with Messiah applying heavy pressure, earning a penalty corner in the opening 30 seconds. Despite this, the Hornets' defense held firm. Messiah continued its aggressive approach, recording several shots and back-to-back corners, but Shenandoah's back line and Swann kept the game scoreless through the first quarter.
The second quarter mirrored the first, with Messiah controlling possession. The Falcons earned an early penalty corner, but their shot was ruled too high. Swann made her first save of the match in the 23rd minute, and the defense followed with a critical stop on a penalty stroke by Messiah's Audrey Weger. Shenandoah's offense remained quiet, and the teams entered halftime in a scoreless tie.
The Hornets came alive early in the third, creating offensive opportunities and earning their first penalty corners. DeLeva narrowly missed giving Shenandoah the lead when her shot off a corner went wide. Messiah responded decisively, with Bryner capitalizing on a missed clearance by Swann to score in the 38th minute. Just two minutes later, another defensive miscue led to Bryner's second goal, doubling Messiah's lead.
Shenandoah refused to go quietly, earning a penalty corner late in the third. McKibbin provided the breakthrough, tipping in DeLeva's shot to pull the Hornets within one. In the fourth quarter, Shenandoah pushed for the equalizer but was limited to just one shot, a saved effort by Cassidy Morrison. Time expired, ending Shenandoah's magical postseason run.
SEASON ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The 2024 Shenandoah Hornets rewrote the program's record books, reaching 19 wins for the first time, claiming both the ODAC regular season and tournament championships, and earning their highest-ever rankings—No. 5 in the NPI and No. 8 in the NFHCA Coaches Poll. They also secured their first NCAA Tournament victory with a record-tying 11 goals in a single game.
While the season ends in heartbreak, Shenandoah's achievements will be celebrated as a defining chapter in the team's history.
#GoSUHornets
