On a crisp Wednesday evening, September 3, 2025, the St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s soccer team celebrated a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Hood College at Thomas Athletic Field in Frederick, Maryland. First-year forward Ella Raines emerged as the hero, scoring the game’s lone goal in the 79th minute to secure the Seahawks’ first road win of the 2025 season. The triumph keeps St. Mary’s unbeaten at 2-0-1, a strong start for a program that has become a point of pride for Southern Maryland’s sports community, particularly in St. Mary’s County, where the college’s Jamie L. Roberts Stadium is a local hub for athletic enthusiasm.
The match remained scoreless through a tightly contested first half, with both teams struggling to find rhythm. St. Mary’s generated seven shots, two on target, while Hood College, the Blazers, unleashed 13 attempts but managed only three on frame. The Seahawks’ defense, anchored by Brooke Hall, Ashlyn Bonner, Erin Clark, and Allie Petryszak, stood firm, neutralizing Hood’s three corner kicks and limiting dangerous chances. Goalkeeper Kyleigh Bland, a cornerstone of the team’s early success, was impeccable, recording three saves to earn her second shutout in as many games. Her composure under pressure reflects the defensive discipline that has defined St. Mary’s 2025 campaign, allowing zero goals across their opening three matches.
The breakthrough came late in the second half, when sophomore Rebecca Flom delivered a precise pass to Raines, who calmly converted for her first goal of the season. The 79th-minute strike sparked celebrations among the traveling Seahawks supporters, many of whom made the roughly 90-mile trip from St. Mary’s City to Frederick. The goal underscored Raines’ growing influence as a freshman, a promising sign for a team blending youth and experience. For Southern Maryland residents, where soccer fosters community ties through youth leagues and college games, Raines’ emergence offers a relatable narrative of local talent shining on a collegiate stage.
Hood College, despite the loss, showed offensive intent, with their 13 shots reflecting an aggressive approach. The Blazers, competing in the Middle Atlantic Conference, couldn’t penetrate St. Mary’s backline, which has developed a reputation for tenacity under head coach Peter Krech. The Seahawks’ ability to weather pressure while capitalizing on a late opportunity highlights their tactical growth.
The team’s unbeaten start builds momentum as they prepare for a challenging matchup against No. 2 William-Smith in the Salisbury Classic on September 6, hosted at Salisbury University, about 80 miles from St. Mary’s City. The Classic, a prestigious early-season tournament, offers a chance to test their mettle against top-tier competition, a prospect that excites Southern Maryland fans eager to see their Seahawks compete on a bigger stage.
The win also carries historical context for St. Mary’s, which has steadily built its women’s soccer program since joining Division III. Last season, the Seahawks posted a 10-5-3 record, and their defensive solidity in 2025 suggests potential for another strong campaign. Bland’s shutout streak, now at 270 minutes, ranks among the best in the conference, while the backline’s cohesion—led by Hall and Bonner—has been pivotal.
