BLUFFTON, Ohio — The Mount St. Joseph University women's soccer team captured the 2026 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) regular-season championship after defeating Bluffton University 2-1 on the road at Salzman Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. The victory improves the Lions' record to 11-3-2 overall and 8-1 in HCAC play, securing home-field advantage for the HCAC tournament and a first-round bye. This marks the Lions' third consecutive HCAC regular-season title.
The Mount controlled the first half, outshooting the Beavers 9-3, with none of Bluffton's three shots on target. Within the first 10 minutes, Kendal Fox and Preslee Rugg nearly broke the 0-0 deadlock, but both shots were saved by the Bluffton goalkeeper. In the 33rd minute, Mary Anhofer scored the first of her two goals in the match off an assist from Gabrielle Eagan, giving the Lions a 1-0 lead. Rickie Chase nearly doubled the lead before halftime, but her shot was saved as the Mount entered the break ahead 1-0.
Bluffton scored within the first five minutes of the second half to tie the match at 1-1. Following the Beavers' goal, the Lions' offense applied constant pressure for the remainder of the match, as the Mount outshot Bluffton 13-6 in the second half. With less than five minutes remaining, Mary Anhofer scored her second goal of the match off a pass from Lindsey Bevak, giving the Lions a 2-1 lead. The Mount's defense held off the Beavers for the remainder of the contest, while goalkeeper Megan Kallmeyer made a crucial save with fewer than 15 seconds remaining. The Lions secured the 2-1 victory and clinched their third consecutive HCAC regular-season championship.
UP NEXT: First-year head coach Marc Sabin and the Lions will return to action on Wednesday, November 4, at Schueler Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. as the Mount begins its run in the HCAC semifinals against the winner of the matchup between the No. 4 and No. 5 seeds.
