DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Embry-Riddle women's soccer team's national tournament run came to a premature end on Sunday. A late goal gave fifth-seeded Nova Southeastern a 1-0 win over the top-seeded Eagles in the second round of the NCAA II South Region tournament.
 
With the loss, the Eagles closed out their 2023 campaign at 14-2-3. The Sharks improved to 12-4-1 with the win and advanced to the Round of 16.
 
It took a while for the teams to settle into the game and a after tight start to the first half, the Eagles gradually took control of the possession. But it was the Sharks who had the first real opportunity of the contest in the 23rd minute as Emery Biggs' shot forced Oona Jokinen to make the game's first save.
 
Following that attempt, the game started to open up as both sides started to create more chances, but neither team was able to capitalize and the half ended in a scoreless draw with NSU holding a 4-3 edge in shots.
 
The second half saw the Eagles best the Sharks 6-2 in corner kicks, but they were unable to convert any of those set pieces into shots on frame.
 
As the game progressed, it became apparent that a single goal would be the difference and that proved true when Luana Grabias slotted a Jordyn Pitter pass into the net to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead at the 86:14 mark.
 
Less than a minute later the Eagles had a chance to equalize. Isabelle Navren's strike from the right side was saved but the ball was pushed back into the path of Lauryn Mateo. The freshman had a good look at the goal, but her shot sailed just high of the mark, allowing the Sharks to escape with the win.
 
While the season ended earlier than they would have liked, the Eagles still had much to celebrate. The Blue and Gold won both regular season and tournament titles in the Sunshine State Conference, becoming the first program in league history to win four consecutive tournament crowns.
 
The 2023 Embry-Riddle women's soccer season was presented by Radiology Associates.