WEST CHESTER, Pa. – After trailing 1-0 at halftime, the Notre Dame College women's soccer team came out strong in the second 45 minutes to win 2-1 against Kutztown in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. This is the first NCAA postseason win for the NDC program.
 
Within the first minute of the second half, MEC Offensive Player of the Year, Alexis Manoa scored on a corner kick shot, curving the ball into the net.
 
Less than 10 later, fellow senior Jackie Corrigan scored on a header, which was assisted by Manoa.
 
Manoa and Corrigan both lead the team with nine goals apiece this season after defeating the No. 4 seeded Golden Bears.
 
"We needed big performances today and we got them," said head coach Mike Shiels. "I'm so proud of the team and what they have accomplished so far. Kutztown is a very good team and to get a result against them was fantastic."
 
Part of those big performances was freshman goalkeeper Kyra McDowell who matched her career best six saves. McDowell faced 12 shots and seven corner kicks to earn her 13th win in her debut season. The Ogden, Utah native tied the NDC single-season wins record with this Tournament victory.
 
The Falcons pressured the Golden Bear defense in the second half to earn three corner kicks after attempting none in the first half. Both goals were results of corner kicks as Notre Dame was able to take advantage of their positioning on the field.
 
NDC relied heavily on their starters, like many of their games this season, as their three midfielders and four defenders played all 90 minutes of the contest.
 
Notre Dame advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and will play #18 West Chester on Sunday, November 12, at 12 p.m.