DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – All-ECC Third Team forward Jenna Northup scored the match winner in the 17th minute and goalkeeper Mia Tyndell made 10 saves to lift No. 3 Roberts Wesleyan to a 1-0 win over No. 1 Mercy and claim the program's first-ever ECC Women's Soccer Championship at Mercy Field in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. on Sunday afternoon. Appearing in just its second-ever ECC Women's Soccer Championship Final, RWU (11-3-4, 4-1-2 ECC) earns the conference's AQ and punches its ticket to the 2025 NCAA Women's Soccer Championship.
The Redhawks are now 7-0-3 in their last 10 matches, dating back to October 1.
After scoring three goals in each of RWU's ECC postseason matches, including the match winner in the ECC Final, Roberts Wesleyan junior forward Jenna Northup was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
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The match-winner began off of a free kick from
All-ECC Third Team midfielder Larissa Johnston, who sent a pass over the head of All-ECC Third Team goalkeeper Anneliese Becker that deflected back into the box. The ball landed at the feet of Northup, and she redirected the ball into the back of the net in the 17th minute.
Mercy's attempts to equalize were thwarted by Tyndell, who saved four shots in the first half.
"The defense today was great," said Roberts Wesleyan head coach Bobby McColl. "Mia just keeps getting better and better and has been really good over the last several games."
The second half featured Mercy maintaining offensive pressure against Roberts Wesleyan but unable to capitalize on numerous opportunities.
All-ECC Second Team forward Hailey Metzger had multiple attempts saved by Tyndell, including a shot in the 52nd minute from the bottom center.
All-ECC First Team forward Ancksu Dixon and Madison Rosa also had shots saved, with Mercy unable to break through the visiting defense.
For the match, Mercy fired off 14 shots, landing 12 on frame, but Tyndell was outstanding for the Redhawks with 10 saves, including six in the second half, while RWU's back line came up with a pair of defensive saves.
The Mavs also held an 11-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Roberts Wesleyan took six shots, landing five on frame.
Tyndell was not alone in her defensive efforts as RWU back Ileana Cheruiyot was assigned to cover Dixon, Mercy's top scorer, and held her to just two shots.
"Ileana was phenomenal today," said McColl. "She had a tough assignment and stepped up time after time."
Roberts Wesleyan and Mercy, the latter ranked No. 1 in the most recent NCAA East Region rankings, will now await their opening opponents for the 2025 NCAA Women's Soccer Championship Tournament. The NCAA Selection Show is scheduled for 6:30 PM this Monday, November 17 on NCAA.com.