Get ready for an intense battle as the Seawolves of Stony Brook women's soccer secure their spot in the CAA Championship!
The Road to Victory
In a thrilling encounter, the Seawolves faced off against Monmouth, showcasing their resilience and determination. Despite being down a player for the final quarter of the game, they fought tooth and nail to defend their one-goal lead. The match started with a bang as Reilly Rich's precise pass found Hannah Maracina, who skillfully redirected it into the net with her left foot. Maracina, a senior, almost doubled the lead minutes later, but Monmouth's goalkeeper, Alex Scott, made a spectacular save.
A Defensive Masterclass
Stony Brook's Jona Hennings stepped up big time, denying all four of Monmouth's goal attempts after the Seawolves' early strike. Rich had a golden opportunity to extend the lead in the second half, but Scott was once again up to the task, pushing her shot wide. Hennings' heroics continued with two more saves, keeping the clean sheet intact for over 65 minutes of intense postseason action.
Overcoming Adversity
The turning point came in the 75th minute when Eva Sprewell received her second yellow card, leaving Stony Brook a player short. But the Seawolves refused to back down, attempting four shots in the next three minutes to keep the momentum going. Defensively, they held strong, limiting Monmouth to just three shots, none on target, in the final 15 minutes. This resilience and tactical discipline saw them through to the 2025 CAA Championship Game.
Key Stats and Milestones
- Maracina's 23rd-minute goal proved to be the game-winner, her sixth of the season and a new personal best. It was also her second game-winning goal this season and the fourth of her career.
- Stony Brook has now qualified for the conference championship game for the second consecutive season, a testament to their consistency.
- The shutout was their fourth of the season, a solid defensive performance.
- Hennings recorded her third solo shutout of the season and earned her 12th win, a remarkable achievement.
- Playing with 10 players for the final 15:31 of the match, the Seawolves showcased their depth and character.
Looking Ahead
Stony Brook will host the No. 3 seed, Elon, who defeated top-seeded UNC Wilmington, in a highly anticipated match on Sunday, November 9. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 pm next Sunday. Follow the Stony Brook women's soccer program on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram for an inside look at their journey.
And here's where it gets controversial... With the Seawolves playing with a numerical disadvantage for the final stretch, do you think their victory was a testament to their skill or a lucky break? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
