Recap by student-staff writer Jonah Boyea

RINDGE, N.H. (11/22/24) - The Franklin Pierce women's soccer team keeps on rolling as they defeated the region No. 7 seed Wilmington Wildcats 2-0 to advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament.     

Score: Franklin Pierce 2, Wilmington (De) 0  

Records: Franklin Pierce (17-3-1, 7-2-1 NE-10), Wilmington (DE) (12-6-1, 8-2-1 CACC)  

Location: Sodexo Field, Rindge, N.H. 

Date: Friday, November 22, 2024  

HOW IT HAPPENED:   

• The first half was a scoreless battle with both sides generating opportunities to score, the Ravens did put one into the net in the first half but was called back due to offsides. The defenses from both teams were excellent resulting in a 0-0 first half. However, just under two minutes into the second half, the Wildcats defense had a miscommunication where they tried to clear it out of their 18 yard-box, but it deflected off a Wildcat defender and it snuck its way into the net for an own goal to give the Ravens the 1-0 lead.  

• Then with three minutes left to go, Claudia Peirce (Carver, Mass.) drove into the box and was tripped giving the Ravens penalty kick. The chance was given to Aino Martikainen (Järvenpää, Finland) who put the nail in the coffin, scoring and securing the win for the Ravens.  

INSIDE THE LINES:  

• Senior goalkeeper Emilie Fox (Bridgewater, Mass.) would earn the win, making 1 save in her 12th shutout of the season.   

• The Ravens outshot the Wildcats 19 to 2.   

• The Ravens had 11 corner kicks while the Wildcats had 2. 

• Both teams picked up a yellow card.   

UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: With today's win, the women's soccer team advances to the second round of the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2022. They will face the Penman of Southern New Hampshire Sunday at Sodexo field at 3 pm.