SPRING ARBOR, Mich. - A valiant effort by the fourth-seeded Madonna University women's soccer team fell short in a 2-0 loss to top-seeded Spring Arbor University in the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round. The Crusaders' season ends with a 15-6-1 overall record.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

On a cold and blustery day at the Cougar Soccer Complex, Madonna pushed host Spring Arbor to the limit. The Crusader defense was solid for the first 40 minutes of the opening half and held off some chances by the Cougars. A penalty in the box gave Spring Arbor the opportunity they needed, and they took advantage of it. Ariana Staitzfus buried home the penalty shot in the 40th minute, and the Cougars went into the locker room up 1-0.

Madonna did their best to find an equalizer but Spring Arbor was able to control a majority of possession, and they added an insurance goal in the 59th minute. It was all the Cougars needed to take the victory and advance to Saturday's Opening Round Bracket Final. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
 

• Spring Arbor outshot Madonna 14-0.
• Brooke Bruletti made three saves in net for the Crusaders.
• Today's game marked Madonna's fourth NAIA National Tournament appearance. 

UP NEXT:

Madonna will be back in action in the fall of 2023. 

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