CINCINNATI, Ohio - On Saturday your Mount St. Joseph University Lions hosted the HCAC Championship match vs Hanover College. The Lions conceded a goal early but battled back with a game-tying header from
Catherine Hatfield (Batavia, Ohio/Batavia) in the 87th minute. After each squad was held scoreless in both overtime periods, the Lions headed to penalty kicks for the second game in a row. The Lions were able to connect on 3 of 5 of their penalty kicks but it was not enough, falling to Hanover College as they were named the HCAC Tournament Champions.
Early in the first half the Panthers of Hanover were able to get the scoring started. In just the 5th minute of play, Maggie Day scored on a miscommunication from the Lions defense leaving the Lions scrambling to battle back. Following the goal, the Lions scrambled to hold possession but, were able to keep Hanover contained. The Lions recorded 5 shots in the first half, eager to get on the board.
In the second half of play each team continued to showcase their stellar defense. The first shot of the half came 11 minutes in from
Emily Reichling (Cincinnati, Ohio/Oak Hills) but did not find the net. The Lions defense continued to hold strong only allowing 4 shots in the half. As the clock ticked closer to the end of regulation the Lions were still scoreless and in search of a game-tying goal. The Lions would get an opportunity with 5 minutes remaining as
Ella Pittman (Harrison, Ohio/Harrison) whipped a ball towards the net but was saved by the Panthers keeper. Following the shot the Lions would get another opportunity and they did not let this one slip away.
Haley Trittschuh (Dayton, Ohio/Butler) would find herself with the ball down the sideline and whipped in a cross.
Catherine Hatfield would then jump into the flying ball, heading into just out of the goalkeeper's reach and into the top left hand corner of the net, equalizing for the Lions in the 87th minute sending the HCAC Championship into overtime!
In the overtime periods both the Lions and Panthers defensive units would come up clutch. Each squad would only record 4 shots in the overtime periods with nothing to show for it, leading the Championship into penalty kicks.
The Lions missed their first attempt and Hanover responded with a make. Onto the second attempts,
Ella Pittman would hammer one home for the Lions but Hanover would again respond making the penalty score 2-1. Next for the Lions was
Molly Sheridan (Cincinnati, Ohio/Oak Hills) and she hammered a shot into the top right corner which was followed by a save from Lions goalkeeper
Madison Hart (Liberty Township, Ohio/Lakota East). With the score sitting at 2-2
Catherine Hatfield would step up. Hatfield delivered but Hanover responded quickly with another make. The Lions then would miss off the crossbar leaving the Panthers just one make away from the HCAC Championship, and they converted.
After 110 minutes of play and 5 penalty kicks from each squad, Hanover College was named the HCAC Tournament Champions. A heartbreaker for the Lions after an incredible 2021 season.
Congratulations to the five Lions seniors for a tremendous four years while being a part of the Mount's soccer program. And finally, a huge congratulations to the whole team for the 2021 season. A job well done by all of those on the team for winning the regular season HCAC Championship. Good job ladies! Check back in to msjlions.com next year as the Lions look to return to the top in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Go Lions!
