MIDDLETOWN, CT. – Hopes of a NESCAC title were once again quieted for the #1 Wesleyan women's soccer as a historic, undefeated run came to an end at the hands of #6 Colby College on Saturday afternoon in the NESCAC semifinal at Wesleyan's Jackson Field.
Suffering their first loss of the season, the Cardinals (13-1-3 overall, 7-0-3 NESCAC) saw a historic 16-game undefeated streak come to a close as they as they played host to the NESCAC Championship weekend for the first time. The Cardinals remain ranked No. 4 nationally.
Breaking away with just 10 minutes of action underway, the Mules (11-5-2 overall, 5-5-2 NESCAC) took the early lead on a targeted chance from Madison Genser. Ella Caraluzzi found herself surrounded by Cardinal defenders as the Mules were pressing but was able to pass back just a few feet to Genser who took the shot from top center, angling the ball into the left corner.
The Cardinals outshot the Mules 15-10 overall, but didn't get their first real scoring opportunity until
Waverly Meyers '26 launched a header at MK Marshall with less than four minutes remaining in the first half. Marshall made the save on Meyers allowing the Mules to defend their lead heading into the half.
Landing another header on Marshall in the second half, Meyers was unable to capitalize on the scoring opportunity before the Mules took a two-goal lead. Kicking off the first of four combined goals in 10 minutes, Abigail Jarvi made the most of a Cardinals throw in that was intercepted by the Mules. Regaining possession on the turnover, the Mules quickly managed the ball through the midfield and above Jarvi. Blanking both
Gabriella Freeman '28 and
Tori Rideau-Winds '26, Jarvi sunk a goal from the top left corner of the goal box.
Meredith Feiner '28, scoring her sixth goal of the season, gave the Cardinals the long-awaited first goal just three minutes later. Advancing on a Cardinals throw in from inside right of the box, Feiner cleared two Mules defenders before a short breakaway shot from the right post tilted the ball behind Marshall. Jarvi scored the final goal for the Mules on a breakaway attempt as the Mules were able to settle a goal kick at midfield. Driving in on the Cardinals, Jarvi pulled up high and delivered a soaring ball over the fingertips of
Molly Brumbach '26.
The final goal of the match would go to
Riley Buehler '26 with a penalty kick go ahead as
Katie O'Connell '25 was fouled inside the Mules goal box with just seven minutes remaining in regulation.
Brumbach finished the afternoon in goal with two saves. Marshall earns the win making six saves in goal for the Mules.
The Cardinals await a bid to the NCAA Tournament. The tournament selection will air Monday, Nov. 11.
