ARLINGTON, Va. -- Marymount women's soccer is headed to the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament, where the Saints will face Batten University in the opening round on Saturday, November 14, at 11 a.m. The matchup brings together two teams fighting to carry their postseason success into the national tournament.
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Marymount secured its place in the national tournament after a 3-1 victory over Immaculata in the Atlantic East Conference Championship. The Saints finished conference play undefeated at 7-0 and enter the tournament with a 13-5-1 overall record. The appearance marks the program's second consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament and third overall.
First-year Eleanor Keough has been a major contributor to the Saints' offensive production, leading the team with 15 goals and seven assists across 18 starts. On the defensive end, goalkeeper Mara Dufour has anchored the Saints' backline, starting 17 games and totaling 53 saves with a 79% save percentage.
Marymount will face a nationally dominant opponent in Batten, which brings an impressive resume into the tournament. The Marlins finished the regular season without a loss, compiling a 13-0-6 record while earning the second spot in Region VI and the 11th ranking in the NCAA Power Index (NPI). Their unbeaten run came to an end in the ODAC Semifinals against Lynchburg, where the contest was decided by a penalty-kick shootout. Despite the semifinal result, Batten earned its 17th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history and its fifth in the last six seasons.
Leading the Marlins is Alaina Alston, who has started all 19 games and found the back of the net 14 times this season. Batten also features an impressive presence in goal with Allie Greco, who has started every game, making 40 saves while allowing just three goals. Her 93% save percentage highlights the challenge awaiting the Saints' attack.
With an NCAA Tournament-tested opponent on the other side, Marymount will look to build on its conference championship performance and carry its momentum into the national spotlight.
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