HARDEEVILLE, S.C. — For the second match in a row, dating back to the 2025 Sun Conference Quarterfinals, 90 minutes was not enough to separate the Ave Maria Women's Soccer team and the SCAD Bees. Unlike last year's playoff game though, Wednesday night did not go into overtime as the Gyrenes stole a point from the No. 21 Bees.
In the first half, the Gyrenes were on their heels playing defense for a majority of the period. Ave Maria did not get their first shot of the half until the 20
th minute, when Claire Wrobleski took aim at the net. The shot was saved by the goalkeeper, keeping the match even at zero.
The Bees broke the tie in the 28
th minute when they slipped the ball past goalkeeper Emma Schweitzer to break the tie. The Bees threw two more shots on goal in the first half, but Schweitzer was able to deter both. SCAD had to settle for their 1-0 lead heading into the break.
The second half was more of the same for the Gyrenes, as SCAD was on the offensive early. With two saves by Schweitzer in the 49
th minute and the 53
rd minute, the Gyrenes were keeping it close.
Cadey Ragsdale and Catherin Dalton both were able to get a shot in the second half, but neither found the back of the net.
The end of the match was approaching with the score still at 1-0, but Ave Maria pulled out some late game magic once again. Streaking down the far sideline, Catherine Dalton launched a shot from way outside the penalty area. The ball sailed past the outstretched hands of the Bees' keeper and rattled the nylon, tying the match at one.
It is Dalton's first goal of the season, Ave Maria's first goal since October 3 against St. Thomas, and the Gyrenes' first goal against the Bees since November 11, 2024.
Ave Maria had to fend off one more attack from the Bees before the referee blew the final whistle, ending the match in a draw. It is the first non-loss result in program history against the Bees for Ave Maria Women's Soccer. It is also the first non-loss result against a ranked team for the Gyrenes since October 25, 2023, when Ave Maria beat then No. 17 St. Thomas.
The draw moves Ave Maria's record to 3-5-4 overall and 0-3-2 in conference play, giving them two points in the Sun Conference standings. The point might end up being crucial, as it keeps them within a win of St. Thomas, who is currently in the final spot for the Sun Conference tournament with five points.
The Gyrenes are still looking for their first conference win, and they will get another opportunity this Saturday when they host the Florida Memorial Lions. Florida Memorial fell to the Webber Warriors Wednesday evening, making them 2-2 in conference play. Saturday will also be Senior Day for the Gyrenes. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. and the match will be streamed live on the Sun Digital Network.
