BALTIMORE – The Notre Dame of Maryland women's soccer team could not complete a late rally, falling by a score of 2-1 to Cairn University in the United East Women's Soccer Championship Tournament First Round on Saturday, October 28. 

The Gators handled some early pressure from the Highlanders, with NDMU causing several offsides violations. Cairn capitalized on a counterattack opportunity in the 29th minute, scoring the first goal of the game to take a 1-0 lead. The Gators tried to respond, but could not create a quality scoring chance, and they trailed at the half.  

NDMU tried to level the game in the 55th minute. Emma Alascia gathered a loose ball off a free kick and blasted a shot toward the goal toward the right-hand corner of the goal, but the Highlanders were able to make a save. Cairn added a second goal in the 65th minute to extend their advantage. Anna Choudhary tried to cut into the deficit in the 77th minute hitting a shot that was deflected away before reaching the goal. NDMU finally broke through in the 90th minute. With the clock winding down, NDMU earned a free kick outside the box with Cyrah Bihler stepping up to take the kick. Bihler blasted the kick under the cross bar for the goal to pull NDMU back within a single goal. Time would expire before NDMU could create another scoring chance, with the Gators falling 2-1.   

The Gators have season has come to a close after returning to the postseason for the first time since 2021. NDMU will head into the offseason looking to build upon this season's successes.  
 
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