Madonna University Athletics

MISHAWAKA, Ind. - Pauline Vinciguerra broke a scoreless tie at 48:32 and added a second goal in the 68th minute as Madonna University fell 2-0 to Bethel (Indiana) on Wednesday at Morey Field. The Crusaders stayed even through the first half and generated several chances, but Isabella Ferreira made three saves to complete the shutout for Bethel.

Madonna tested Ferreira twice before halftime. Canses Gibson produced the Crusaders' first shot on goal in the 10th minute, and Nadine Jawad forced another save at 41:48. The Crusaders' defense kept Bethel off the scoreboard despite facing eight first-half shots, with Grace McCormick stopping Sophia Neihart's attempt at 42:15 to preserve the 0-0 tie entering halftime.

Bethel moved ahead shortly after the restart when Vinciguerra scored the opening goal at 48:32. Madonna pushed for an equalizer and used its advantage on set pieces to apply pressure. Chelsey Chambless delivered the Crusaders' fourth corner kick at 58:49, and Jawad had an attempt blocked in the 64th minute as Madonna continued to attack the one-goal deficit.

Vinciguerra gave Bethel a 2-0 advantage at 67:06, finishing a pass from Hannah Thomas for her second goal of the match. Madonna continued working forward after the goal, while Addison Beil helped prevent the margin from growing by saving Ava Stevens' shot at 79:24. Gibson created the Crusaders' final shot on goal at 85:01, but Ferreira made the save.

Bethel finished with a 13-7 advantage in shots and put four attempts on goal compared with Madonna's three. The Crusaders held a 4-2 edge in corner kicks and committed six fouls to Bethel's seven. Gibson and Jawad each recorded two shots, with Gibson placing both of her attempts on target. McCormick and Beil each made one save while splitting the match in goal for Madonna.

The Crusaders will be back in action on Friday, September 18th as they head to Grand Rapids, Mich. to take on Cornerstone University. Kick-off is set for 2:00 PM.