RIDGE, N.H. — The Shepherd University women’s soccer team’s historic 2024 season ended in an Elite Eight matchup with Franklin Pierce on Saturday afternoon.
Sophomore midfielder Jenni Huttunen led the Ravens to a 2-1 victory with two goals in the second half, one of which was a penalty kick.
Junior midfielder Josie Beezel scored the Rams’ lone goal in the final eight minutes of play on an assist from sophomore midfielder Reagan Ackermann.
By the final whistle Franklin Pierce had outshot Shepherd 16-8 however, the Rams outshot the Ravens 5-4 on goal.
“We played fantastically today, I think by all accounts we were the better team,” Shepherd head coach Sam Odell told Shepherd University Athletics.
“We dominated chances, territory, hit the bar twice, and had a couple cleared off the line, but it wasn’t our day.
I couldn’t be prouder of the team and their accomplishments this season. This is not the way we wanted the story to end, and it’s especially tough for it to be in this manner – sometimes you just wish that you were second best as it can be easier to accept when that happened, but that was not the case today.
We had a really good chance of winning the national championship this year and are devastated to be going out in the Elite Eight. That speaks volumes for the team’s goals and standards this season. This year we won all three trophies available, won 18 games, and have become a force on the Division II stage.
We will be back here next year, and knowing this amazing group as well as anyone, they will use this experience as fuel to win the national championship next year.
I am a proud and disappointed coach at the same time today, but I love this team and couldn’t be prouder of them for how they played today and all season. We have an amazing group that has a special collective quality which is so powerful when they channel it. We will be back.” Odell concluded.
The Rams may have seen their historic season end in heartbreak, but their journey will be remembered as a turning point for the program.
With a record-breaking 18-2-4 season, their first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship and a spot in the Elite Eight, the Rams solidified their place as a rising power in Division II soccer.
This season was not just about victories but about setting a new standard for what Shepherd women’s soccer can achieve.
With a core of talented players and a coach who believes in their potential, the Rams are already looking ahead. Shepherd has proven their unwavering grit, determination and ability to come together as a cohesive unit as they are set to come back stronger next year with hopes of turning their national championship dreams into a reality.
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