After knocking off several highly ranked opponents, the College’s women’s soccer team is poised to play for all the marbles. Junior captain Briann McDonough’s sole goal in the Lions’ game against Ithaca on Sunday launched the team into the semifinal round of the 2009 NCAA Division III National Tournament in San Antonio, TX on Dec. 4. This is the fifth time in seven years that the Lions have qualified for the semifinal round.

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

The Lions (20-2-1) also handed Williams College its first loss of the season on Saturday advancing the team to the game with Ithaca on Sunday. The winLio against Ithaca was the Lions’ fourth shutout of the tournament.

“We knew these two games were going to be tough and we knew what we were in for,” freshman forward Alexa Rozzi said. “But I think we drew confidence from that and after beating Ithaca, we were all proud to call each other teammates.”

The Lions will take on top-ranked Messiah College (23-0-1) at the Blossom Soccer Stadium in San Antonio. The Falcons defeated John’s Hopkins University 3-1 in order to advance to the semifinal round.