Women's Soccer | 11/15/2025 7:52:00 PM
BALTIMORE, MD – The most historic season in the history of St. John Fisher University women's soccer came to a close on Saturday, as the Cardinals wrapped up their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance with a 2-0 setback to Johns Hopkins at Homewood Field. It was a season defined by breakthrough moments, championship resilience, and program-first achievements — highlighted by Fisher capturing its first Empire 8 Conference title and earning the program's inaugural berth on the national stage.
How It Happened
The Cardinals battled defensively from the opening whistle, surviving early pressure as goalkeeper Isabella Ayers made two first-half saves to keep the match scoreless. Fisher generated its best look of the day in the 17th minute when Madelyn Wania put the Cardinals' lone shot toward frame, but Johns Hopkins controlled much of the possession while Fisher's back line — anchored by Abby Dorunda, Jackie Gervais, Ryann Dauksza, and Carolyn Rowe — absorbed the Hopkins' attacking front's pressure.
Ayers continued her strong postseason form in the second half, turning away four more Blue Jay attempts. Johns Hopkins finally broke through in the 68th minute, converting a penalty kick to take a 1–0 lead. The hosts added an insurance goal in the 78th minute, and despite several tactical adjustments and late pushes forward, the Cardinals were unable to find an answer.
Ayers finished with six saves on the afternoon, facing 19 shots overall. Fisher registered one shot in the contest.
A Historic Season
Saturday's result does nothing to overshadow what was unquestionably a landmark campaign. Fisher ends the year 13-5-2, including a dominant 9-1-1 mark in Empire 8 play. The Cardinals captured their first-ever Empire 8 Conference Championship — and with it, the program's first automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Tournament.