GAME NOTES
How We Got Here: On the final day of the regular season, ESU secured its spot in the postseason with a 1-1 draw with No. 2 West Chester. Emily Wineburg, who was named the PSAC East Athlete of the Week, sent a header into the back of the net for the equalizing goal in the 81st minute. The goal allowed by the Golden Rams was just their fifth allowed in 17 games on the season and ended a seven-game shutout streak by WCU that lasted over a month. ESU is the lone team to score multiple goals against the Golden Rams this season.
The Series: Along with the tie on Oct. 29, ESU and WCU met earlier this season on Sept. 24. WCU got the best of the Warriors at Eiler-Martin Stadium, defeating the hosts by a score of 4-1. Overall, West Chester leads the all-time series by a mark of 27-11-6.
Who to Watch:
- ESU’s offense is led by Rebecca Kotula, who has totaled 21 points on eight goals and five assists. The Wyomissing native ranks top-five in the PSAC in goals (5th) and total points (3rd). Millie Smith (4G, 2A, 10 pts.), Natalie Schooley (4G, 1A, 9 pts.) and Emily Wineburg (3G, 6 pts.) led the Warriors’ offense that ranks fourth in the PSAC in goals per game.
- ESU freshman goalkeeper Emmy Clarkson has shined this season in goal, holding an 8-5-3 record with a 1.13 goals against average and a .804 save percentage. She has tallied five shutouts during her first collegiate season.
- The game could come down to WCU goalkeeper Haley McGee, who leads the nation in goals against average (0.297), save percentage (0.933) and ranks third in shutouts with 11.
- Leading the Golden Rams’ offense is Jacqueline Hug, who averages 1.2 points per game and 0.47 goals per contest. WCU has five different players with 10-plus points on the season with Hug and Kaitlynn Haughey (19 points) leading the way.
Scouting West Chester: One of the top teams in NCAA Division II this season, the Warriors will attempt to keep momentum going with after the tie with the Golden Rams over the weekend. West Chester outscored its foes 45-5 on the season, with two of those goals coming from ESU. WCU holds a top-20 offense and defense and are ranked second in the country in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll.
Postseason History: ESU seeks its seventh PSAC Championship in program history and its first since 2017. The Warriors will look to earn its ninth NCAA Tournament bid in program history and its first since 2019. WCU seeks its first title since 2010.
A Look Ahead: The winner of the PSAC Quarterfinal matchup will head to the PSAC Semifinals, which will be hosted at the highest remaining seed in the PSAC West. Possible host-site locations include No. 1 seed Gannon, No. 2 seed Mercyhurst and No. 3 seed Slippery Rock.
