MIDDLEBURY, Vt. - The Hartford women's soccer team closed out their historic 2025 season this Saturday afternoon, ultimately falling 2-0 to the University of Rochester in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. The Hawks wrap up the year at 14-4-2 after making their first NCAA appearance since 2006.

Rapid Recap:

• The Hawks nearly grabbed the early lead, generating the first dangerous chance of the match just 1:46 into the match as freshman Anastasia Nerney (Gloucester, R.I.) fired a low shot on frame. Rochester keeper Sydney Moore made the crucial stop to keep things scoreless. Hartford continued to press through the opening minutes earning two early corners before the Yellowjackets converted on their first major opportunity. Ava Schmidt took a step and sailed a long shot over Hartford's back line and snuck in a goal in the fifth minute of play. Senior Sejal Johnson (Weddington, N.C.) kept the Hawks in the match with four first half saves, turning away threatening looks from Ava Schmidt, Hannah Nagashima, and Natalie Santangelo. Hartford pushed for the equalizer before they were sent to the locker room with an effort by senior Mayson Massaro (Sarasota, Fla.), but the Hawks went into halftime trailing 1-0.
• Hartford came out of the break on the attack as sophomore Angela Chavez (Glastonbury, Conn.) fired two quick shots before Massaro forced another save from Rochester's Sydney Moor. Johnson continued to defend the net well for the Hawks making multiple second-half stops. The Hawks were collected and determined to break through this half as they connected throughout the field generating promising chances but found it difficult to break through the Yellowjackets' defense. In the 84th minute the Hawks hope dwindled as the Yellowjackets doubled their lead to make it 2-0. The Hawks generated one last chance off the foot of junior Kathleen Brush (Wethersfield, Conn.) but yet again Moore was the wall Rochester needed. Hartford closed out its season not with the result they wanted but still closing out a historic season earning back-to-back Conference of New England (CNE) Championship and its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2006.

• Chavez and Massaro tested the Yellowjackets goalkeeper the most in this match-up with a combined seven shots this afternoon.
• Johnson made eight saves for the Hawks bringing her record on the season to an overall 14-2-2.
• The Yellowjackets outshot Hartford 20-9, and will be taking on Middlebury College tomorrow, November 16th with a kick-off of 1:00 P.M.

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The Hawks have concluded their 2025 season with this match.

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