The St. Edward’s women’s soccer team had their sights set on the Final Four, but the Hilltoppers fell on Nov. 11 to Midwestern State 1-0 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. St. Edward’s allowed an early goal and couldn’t capitalize on several opportunities to score.              

The Hilltoppers’ first scoring chance came off a corner kick in the fourth minute. Heartland Tournament MVP Kelly Servage had back-to-back shots blocked, and then Kate Orkild took a follow-up shot, but it went wide.

Midwestern State scored the game’s only goal in the 22nd minute when Lindsay Pritchard sailed a shot over St. Edward’s goalkeeper Claire Tilton to put the Mustangs ahead, 1-0. 

St. Edward’s had two more scoring opportunities in the game’s final five minutes. Rachel Murray’s shot with two minutes remaining went high, and Bethany Bennett’s shot with under a minute remaining was saved by Mustang goalie Mallory Whitworth.

The Hilltoppers certainly had their opportunities. St. Edward’s out-shot the Mustangs 16-12 and had eight corner kicks compared to three for Midwestern State.

St. Ed’s will lose six seniors to graduation, including goalkeeper Tilton, defender Caitlin Reedy, midfielders Jordan Ynostrosa and Bethany Bennett and forwards Kelly Servage and Brianna Hinnenkamp.

Looking forward, the team will return other key players such as Heartland Conference Player of the Year Olivia Collado and forward Rachel Murray, the lead scorer in the Heartland Conference this season.