University of Hartford

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Hartford women's soccer team saw its historic 2026 season come to a close on Saturday afternoon, falling 1-0 to Vassar in double overtime in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament at Gordon Field. The Hawks battled the Brewers for 106 minutes before Vassar found the game-winning goal in the second overtime. Hartford finishes the season with a 13-4-1 overall record and an 8-2-0 mark in conference play.

Rapid Recap:

• Hartford and Vassar battled through a scoreless opening 45 minutes, with the Brewers generating much of the early offensive pressure. Vassar created several dangerous opportunities, including shots from their forwards, but freshman goalkeeper Madelyn Nunnemacher (Sutton, Mass.) came up with multiple saves to keep the match even. The Hawks looked to generate offense of their own, with Alyssa Koczak (Canton, Conn.) recording an early shot attempt. Despite Vassar's continued pressure, Hartford's defensive line held strong, sending both teams into halftime tied 0-0. 
• The Hawks came out of the break looking to generate more offense, as sophomore Angela Chávez (Glastonbury, Conn.) and freshman Taylor Freimuth (Glastonbury, Conn.) tested Vassar goalkeeper Laura Shea. Freimuth recorded multiple shots on target, but Shea turned away each attempt. Nunnemacher continued to anchor Hartford's defense, making several important stops on attempts from Gianna Panarelli and Elena Valle. Vassar continued to push forward late in regulation, but the Hawks remained composed defensively, keeping the Brewers off the scoreboard and sending the match into overtime tied 0-0.
• Both teams continued to search for the breakthrough in the opening overtime period. Nunnemacher remained busy in net, turning away multiple dangerous attempts, including shots from Panarelli, Mollie McLaughlin, and Lucy Hart. Hartford also generated opportunities, as Freimuth put a shot on target before sophomore Anastasia Nerney (Glocester, R.I.) added another attacking chance. Neither side could find the back of the net through the first 10 minutes of overtime, keeping the match scoreless at 100 minutes.
• Hartford and Vassar entered the final overtime period still searching for the deciding goal. In the 106th minute, the Brewers broke through as Gianna Panarelli fired a hard shot from the right side during a two-on-two opportunity, finding the back of the net to secure the 1-0 victory. The unassisted goal was Panarelli's ninth of the season and brought Hartford's NCAA Tournament run to an end.

• Nunnemacher recorded a career high with 15 saves for the Hawks, delivering an outstanding performance in goal and keeping Hartford in the contest throughout regulation and overtime. 
• Freimuth led Hartford offensively with four shots, including three on goal.
• Vassar outshot Hartford 33-7, including a 17-3 advantage in shots on goal.
• Nunnemacher went the full tournament without allowing a goal making nine saves in the win today.
• Panarelli led all players with 13 shots and seven shots on goal, scoring the game-winner for her ninth goal of the season. 
• The Hawks finished with four corner kicks compared to Vassar's two, while both teams recorded nine fouls.

The Hawks have concluded their 2026 season following their first-round exit from the NCAA Division III Tournament. Hartford finishes their historic year at 13-4-1.