HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – The Centenary University women's soccer team battled Gwynedd Mercy University in a tightly contested Atlantic East Conference matchup Wednesday afternoon, narrowly falling 3-2 at J.E. Reeves Jr. Field on Senior Day.
Prior to kickoff, the Cyclones honored Taylor Fallon, Krista Wihlborg, and Naveah O'Keefe for their dedication, commitment and contributions to the women's soccer program. The three seniors were recognized alongside their families and teammates as Centenary celebrated their collegiate careers.
Gwynedd Mercy struck early, opening the scoring just over a minute into the contest when Addyson Sparks found the back of the net off an assist from Jessica Parker.
The Cyclones responded in the 26th minute when Elizabeth Fogarty scored her seventh goal of the season, evening the match at 1-1.
The Griffins regained the advantage in the 30th minute as Casey Thomas scored off another assist from Parker. However, Centenary wasted little time responding, as Jocelyn Rodriguez netted her first collegiate goal less than a minute later off an assist from Fogarty, tying the match at 2-2 heading into halftime.
Both teams continued to battle throughout the second half, with Gwynedd Mercy eventually breaking the deadlock in the 73rd minute. Sparks scored her second goal of the afternoon off an assist from Samantha Winco, giving the Griffins a 3-2 advantage.
Despite the setback, the Cyclones continued to fight until the final whistle but were unable to find the equalizer. Fogarty led the Centenary offense with a goal and an assist, while Rodriguez added her first career goal. Nia Hebron and Ava Barry each recorded two shots on goal, while Emily Piser contributed one.
On Senior Day, O'Keefe delivered a strong performance between the posts, recording nine saves while playing all 90 minutes. Fellow seniors Fallon and Wihlborg also played the full 90 minutes, contributing to the Cyclones' effort on both ends of the field.
Centenary finished with eight shots, including seven on goal, while Gwynedd Mercy recorded 26 shots, including 12 on goal.
With the loss, the Cyclones move to 2-13 overall and 1-6 in Atlantic East Conference play. Despite the result, the afternoon served as a meaningful celebration of Fallon, Wihlborg, and O'Keefe and their contributions to the Centenary women's soccer program.
The Cyclones will now turn their attention to the Atlantic East Conference Tournament, which begins Saturday, October 31. Centenary's opponent, game time and location will be announced at a later date.
