Recap courtesy of Kyle Goodhart, Mercy University Sports Information

RINDGE, N.H. — Despite a goal from ECC Rookie of the Year Casey Szczotka and a game-high nine saves from All-ECC Third Team goalkeeper Anneliese Becker, No. 3 Mercy University dropped a 2-1 decision at No. 2 Franklin Pierce in the Second Round of the 2025 NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship on Sunday afternoon at Sodexo Field.

BOX SCORE

The Mavericks (14-4-3) see their season come to an end in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022 and finish with their most wins since 2022. The Ravens (14-2-5) advance to next Sunday's Third Round and will face the winner of No. 1 Saint Anselm/No. 4 Jefferson.

The match commenced with Becker in goal for Mercy and Jess LaCroix for Franklin Pierce. Franklin Pierce created early pressure with Claudia Peirce taking two shots saved by Becker in the opening five minutes. Mercy responded with a corner kick at 13:28, leading to a shot by ECC Defensive Player of the Year Sarah Lill Hanks that was saved by the Franklin Pierce defense. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Szczotka scored for Mercy, assisted by All-ECC First Team selection Ancksu Dixon off a corner kick, giving Mercy a 1-0 lead. Despite several additional attempts from Franklin Pierce, including a saved shot from Jenni Huttunen in the 44th minute, Mercy maintained its lead, ending the first period 1-0.

Franklin Pierce secured a 2-1 victory over Mercy with decisive second-half goals. The home team equalized in the 65th minute when McKenna Maguire scored with assistance from Mikayla Horton, leveling the match at 1-1. Franklin Pierce kept pressing offensively, with Olivia Crespo finding the back of the net in the 90th minute, assisted by Maguire, to seal the win. Becker made several crucial saves throughout the period but was unable to prevent the late goal that determined the game.

Becker recorded nine saves for Mercy while facing 23 shots, providing a strong defensive effort. Szczotka found the back of the net, converting one of her team's few scoring opportunities. Dixon contributed with an assist, adding to the team's offensive play. Hanks managed one shot on goal, testing the opposing goalkeeper.

Crespo led Franklin Pierce with a pivotal performance, scoring the game-winning goal and converting both of her shot attempts into shots on goal, demonstrating precision in her offensive role. Horton contributed significantly with an assist, aiding in the team's offensive efforts. Maguire showcased versatility by adding both a goal and an assist.

Franklin Pierce held a 23-4 edge in shots, an 11-2 edge in shots on goal and a 4-2 edge in corner kicks.