NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Penn State Harrisburg women’s soccer team took down #14 Christopher Newport University, 2-1, in the Opening Round of the 2025 NCAA Championship on Saturday evening.
The win means the Lions will move on to the Second Round where they will take on the winner of Rowan University and Misericordia which takes place tonight. That Second Round contest will be at 6 PM on Sunday.
After a scoreless first, Diana Pon opened up the scoring with an absolute rocket of a goal in the 47th minute. The senior gathered a throw-in from Ciera Frick roughly 40 yards out, took one turn and blasted a shot that beat the Captain goalkeeper far post. The lead only lasted until the 61st minute as CNU knotted things back up at 1-1.
As time dwindled down, a set piece in the 87 minute was the deciding factor. Lining up from approximately 25 yards out on the right side, Pon sent in a curling ball to the box. The pass found the head of Abigail Frew, who redirected the ball into the back of the net. The Lions then buckled into their defense and fended off the Captains for the last two-plus minutes.
Alexis Valenta picked up the win in goal for Harrisburg, stopping four Christopher Newport shots.
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The United East boasts 14 NCAA Division III full member institutions which include: Cairn University, Cedar Crest College, Gallaudet University, Keystone College, Lancaster Bible College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Brandywine, Penn State Harrisburg, St. Mary's College of Maryland, University of Valley Forge, and Wilson College. For more information, please visit gounitedeast.com.