Saint Mary’s Athletics / United East
United East: St. Mary’s (MD)
St. Mary’s College of Maryland claimed its second consecutive United East Conference championship on Saturday, defeating Penn State Harrisburg 1-0 in double overtime at home. Senior captain Emma Watkins scored the game-winning goal with 4:26 remaining in the second extra period, securing the Seahawks’ automatic berth to the 2025 NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship. St. Mary’s (13-5) will learn its NCAA opponent during Sunday’s selection show at 9 p.m.
Watkins, named Tournament MVP, also contributed a goal and an assist in St. Mary’s 9-0 semifinal win over Lancaster Bible College. The championship-winning play came off a pass from first-year midfielder Morgan Knott, with Watkins corralling the rebound and slipping it past diving goalie Macenzie Mulholland.
The contest was tightly contested throughout. Harrisburg’s Ami Mattingly fired the first shot of the game, stopped by senior goalie Sophia Kent. St. Mary’s outshot the Lions 30-7, including a 15-4 edge in shots on goal, and held an 11-4 advantage in penalty corners. Kent and junior defender Safi Stimely were key in preserving the shutout, with Kent recording three saves for her 11th shutout of the season. Mulholland made 13 saves for Harrisburg, keeping the Lions in contention deep into overtime.
The Seahawks dominated possession, particularly in the third and fourth quarters, but Harrisburg’s defense held firm until Watkins’ decisive strike. The victory extends St. Mary’s winning streak to three games and maintains their perfect all-time series record against the Lions at 4-0, including two playoff wins.
With back-to-back conference crowns—including their 2023 Atlantic East title—St. Mary’s looks to continue its postseason success as it heads into the NCAA tournament.
By USWNT
