WINCHESTER, Va. – The #9-ranked Shenandoah University Hornets continue their impressive season by advancing to the ODAC Championship game after defeating the Washington and Lee Generals 5-2 at Aikens Stadium. With this win, the Hornets (17-2, 8-0) not only maintain their perfect record in conference play but also earn the right to host the ODAC Championship game for the first time in program history.
This victory over Washington and Lee was a complete team effort. Madison Short and Mairead McKibbin each scored twice, and Elizabeth Ranberger added a goal to seal the win. The Hornets dominated in key areas, out shooting the Generals 24-12 and leading 16-9 in shots on goal. They also held an 11-6 edge on penalty corners. Senior goalkeeper Taylor Swann was stellar in the cage, recording seven saves and providing a strong last line of defense.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hornets and Generals previously faced off in the regular season in a nail-biting match decided by a penalty shootout. Thursday's match up, however, saw Shenandoah pull away decisively. Early in the game, the Hornets earned a penalty corner, leading to a near goal when Farren Winter's shot narrowly missed the mark. Though an early penalty stroke from Camryn DeLeva was saved, the Hornets maintained pressure and soon found success. Madison Short redirected a powerful shot from DeLeva to score her sixth goal of the season, giving Shenandoah a 1-0 lead.
Washington and Lee responded in the second quarter when Betty Boatwright capitalized on a penalty corner, tying the game at 1-1. Undeterred, the Hornets quickly reclaimed the lead with McKibbin converting off a rebounded shot from Winter. Just before halftime, Shenandoah came close to extending their lead, with Cassidy Morrison's shot hitting the post.
The third quarter saw the Hornets strike again as Short converted a penalty stroke, making it 3-1. Shenandoah's defense, anchored by Swann, kept the Generals at bay, limiting their opportunities. In the fourth quarter, Ranberger followed up her own saved shot to extend the lead to 4-1. Although Washington and Lee attempted a late comeback, Swann's brilliant save on a penalty stroke denied the Generals, who eventually cut the lead to 4-2. McKibbin closed out the game with a penalty stroke in the final minute, securing the 5-2 victory.
UP NEXT
Shenandoah now boasts 17 wins this season, matching the program's best since 2019. They carry a 15-game winning streak into Saturday's championship game against the University of Lynchburg, whom they defeated in an intense 2-1 overtime game last week. This championship rematch offers Shenandoah the chance to cap off their stellar season with a title win on their home turf.
#GoSUHornets
