The Navy women's soccer squad opened its fall schedule with a convincing 4‑0 exhibition win over Marywood University on Tuesday, a performance that underscored the team’s depth and readiness as the NCAA Division III campaign looms.
Freshman Firepower Leads the Charge
Four different players contributed to the scoreline, with three of them – freshmen Sophia Ryan, Mary Kate DeBono and Alex Donoghue – each finding the net. Ryan opened the scoring at the 36‑minute‑21 mark, slipping a lead pass into space before striking, while DeBono doubled the lead just four minutes later, marking the first goal of her collegiate career.
The flurry continued in the closing stages of the second half, as Donoghue added a goal at 82‑56 and Katia Katsari‑Hoefer sealed the victory at 84‑58, completing a two‑minute burst that left Marywood scrambling. Sona Gonzales and Lizzie Fetterman contributed additional assists during the game.
Between the scoring bursts, the Mids’ backline remained untouched, with goalkeepers Shea Best, Cadence Tordai and Lauren Morada combining for a clean sheet that highlighted the defensive cohesion built during preseason work.
Navy outshot the Warriors 33‑3, including a 13‑2 edge in shots on goal and a 6‑3 advantage in corner kicks, while the opening 15 minutes saw seven attempts, three of which tested Marywood’s keeper.
Head coach Carin Gabarra praised the squad’s fitness and the quality of chances created, but she cautioned that sharper decision‑making in the final third will be essential when the team faces its first real opponents.
The Mids are set to test that growth in the coming days, beginning with an in‑state rivalry clash against the University of Maryland on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility, a match that promises another showcase of the talent on display.