For the third consecutive week, the St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) women’s soccer team has retained the No. 6 position in the United Soccer Coaches Region IV poll, released on Tuesday, October 22. The Seahawks, boasting an impressive 14-1-3 overall record and a 6-0-1 mark in United East Conference (UEC) play, continue to demonstrate their dominance as they approach the close of the regular season.
The UEC saw two of its teams included in this week’s Region IV rankings, with Penn State Harrisburg securing the No. 8 spot, joining St. Mary’s College as the conference’s representatives. Both teams are in a tight race within the UEC standings as the Seahawks are currently in a three-way tie for first place, with 19 points, positioning them as serious contenders for the conference title.
Unbeaten Streak and Stellar Defense
St. Mary’s College is riding an 11-game unbeaten streak, a run fueled by strong performances on both sides of the field. The team’s defensive efforts have been a key factor in this success, with senior defender Cicely Clark of Ellicott City, Md., recently earning United East Defensive Player of the Week honors. Clark’s standout week included three assists in a commanding 7-0 win against Notre Dame of Maryland University on October 16, and her defensive prowess contributed to consecutive shutouts against Notre Dame (Md.) and Penn State Harrisburg on October 19.
Clark, a seasoned leader for the Seahawks, currently leads the team in assists with four, further highlighting her pivotal role in both defensive and offensive play. As the team nears the postseason, her ability to control the backline and spark offensive opportunities will be crucial.
Offensive Leaders
On the offensive end, SMCM is propelled by junior forward Mia McKenzie from Burtonsville, Md., and first-year midfielder Alyssa McLane from Port Republic, Md. Both players have scored seven goals this season, sharing the team lead in goals. McKenzie has emerged as a clutch performer, with a team-best four game-winning goals. Her contributions in crucial moments have been significant, and her game-winners currently rank her 16th in Division III, underscoring her value in high-pressure situations.
McKenzie and McLane’s partnership on the field, combined with Clark’s contributions, make the Seahawks a formidable force as they look to secure a top seed in the UEC playoffs.
Goalkeeping Excellence
First-year goalkeeper Kyleigh Bland of Arnold, Md., has been a revelation for the Seahawks, anchoring the team’s defense with her exceptional play in goal. Bland holds a remarkable 10-1-3 record, and her statistics rank her among the nation’s elite. Her 0.25 goals-against average is sixth-best in Division III, while her 0.943 save percentage places her fourth in the country. Bland’s eight solo shutouts this season rank her eighth nationally, further highlighting her impact on SMCM’s defensive success.
Bland’s ability to command the box and make crucial saves has been a cornerstone of the team’s defensive success. As the postseason looms, her steady presence in goal will be vital for St. Mary’s College as they aim to maintain their defensive dominance.
Final Regular Season Game
The Seahawks will conclude their regular season on Saturday, October 26, with a home matchup against Saint Elizabeth University (5-8-1, 2-5-0 UEC) at Jamie L. Roberts Stadium. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m., and it will also serve as a Senior Day celebration, with SMCM honoring its graduating players before kickoff. With postseason aspirations on the line, the Seahawks will look to extend their unbeaten streak and solidify their standing in the conference ahead of the UEC tournament.
St. Mary’s College enters the match as the clear favorite, given their superior record and recent form. However, with Saint Elizabeth fighting to finish their season on a high note, the Seahawks will need to maintain their focus to avoid any upsets.
The regular season finale offers one last opportunity for the Seahawks to fine-tune their play ahead of the UEC playoffs, where they hope to continue their impressive campaign and contend for the conference title.
