WINCHESTER, Va. – The #9 Shenandoah University field hockey team captured their second ODAC Championship in program history with an impressive 4-1 victory over #13 Lynchburg on Saturday. In front of a lively crowd at Aikens Stadium, the Hornets (18-2, 8-0) showcased a balanced attack with goals from Claudia Lenahan, Elizabeth Ranberger, Mairead McKibbin, and Kaitlyn Nakamura. This victory secures Shenandoah's place in the NCAA DIII Field Hockey Tournament, continuing their remarkable season.
Shenandoah outshot Lynchburg 17-11 and had a narrow 8-7 advantage in shots on goal. Despite Lynchburg holding a slight edge in penalty corners (7-6), Shenandoah's defense remained resilient. Goalkeeper Taylor Swann anchored the backline with six saves, conceding only once.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams opened cautiously, vying for control in the midfield. Lynchburg earned an early corner three minutes in but failed to capitalize as their shot went wide. Shenandoah seized the momentum midway through the first quarter when Cassidy Morrison delivered a well-placed cross to Lenahan, who buried it to put the Hornets up 1-0. Swann made two critical saves to keep Lynchburg scoreless at the end of the quarter.
In the second quarter, Shenandoah generated multiple scoring chances off a penalty corner but couldn't extend their lead. Lynchburg fought back, eventually equalizing on a penalty corner with three minutes left in the half, tying the game 1-1.
The third quarter saw Shenandoah regain control. After Morrison's shot was saved, McKibbin's follow-up was blocked, but Ranberger was perfectly positioned to slot home the rebound, restoring Shenandoah's lead at 2-1. From there, Shenandoah's defense held Lynchburg without a shot for the rest of the quarter.
With 15 minutes left, McKibbin added a third goal to give Shenandoah a 3-1 advantage. Following a Lynchburg yellow card, Shenandoah capitalized again when Lenahan found Nakamura for an empty-net goal, sealing the championship at 4-1.
POST GAME REACTIONS
Goalkeeper Taylor Swann reflected on the victory, saying, "This game was unreal. We came out strong, dominated the first half, and used their goal as motivation to keep pushing. I trusted every single girl above me, which allowed me to do my job well and led us to the championship."
Seniors Mairead McKibbin and Elise Velasquez shared their thoughts. McKibbin said, "We stayed calm and took it game-by-game. This title was our goal all season, and it feels amazing to accomplish it." Velasquez added, "We chipped away every game, every quarter, and every practice. I'm incredibly proud of this team."
Four Shenandoah players were named to the All-ODAC Tournament Team: Taylor Swann, Farren Winter, Mairead McKibbin, and Elise Velasquez.
UP NEXT
With the ODAC Championship secured, Shenandoah earns an automatic bid to the NCAA DIII Field Hockey Tournament. The team will find out their opponent and destination during the selection show on Sunday night at 9:30 pm.
#GoSUHornets
