CLINTON, NY – The ninth-ranked Hamilton College Continentals scored twice in the first quarter and went on to defeat the University of Southern Maine Huskies 4-0 in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament Wednesday evening at Goodfriend Field.
Making their seventh appearance in the NCAA tournament, and second in the last four seasons (2023, 2026) the Little East Conference Champion Huskies conclude their season at 15-8.
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THE RECORDS
Southern Maine (15-8)
No. 9 Hamilton College (12-5)
Today's game marked the first meeting between the University of Southern Maine Huskies and the Hamilton College Continentals.
THE GOALKEEPERS:
SM:
Haylee Romasco (13-7), 60:00, 4 GA, 2 Saves
HC: Kelly Janson (6-7), 48:35, 0 GA, 0 Saves; Reilly Loughman (11:25), 0 GA, 0 Saves
Defensive Saves: None
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- After each team registered an early shot with sophomore Maddie Niles (Benton, Maine/Lawrence) bid going wide, Hamilton got on the board with the first of their two first quarter goals in the third minute as Brighton McMahon made it 1-0 scoring her seventh goal of the season.
- Following a bevy of penalty corners late in the second quarter, Hamilton was able to take a 3-0 lead at the halftime break with Morgan Clarke scored in the 27th minute. The Continentals had a 7-0 lead in shots in the second, and a 7-0 lead in penalty corners.
- After a scoreless third, the Continentals made it a 4-0 game early in the fourth quarter as Brooke Bilodeau scored in the 47th.
INSIDE THE STATS:
- Southern Maine finished its 2026 season making its seventh appearance in the NCAA Division III National Championship tournament and second in four seasons (2023, 2026). The Huskies finished as both the 2026 Little East Conference Regular Season and Tournament Champion.
- Seniors Dylan Barr (Phippsburg, Maine/Morse) and Kasey Mushlit (Manchester, Maine/Maranacook) finished their careers as two-time LEC Champions and two-time NCAA Participants. Junior back Jenessa Foster (Pittsfield, Maine/Maine Central Institute) is also a member of both the 2023 and 2026 squads.
UP NEXT:
The winner of today's game advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and will travel to host site Middlebury College, and face the winner of the SUNY-Geneseo vs No. 11 Wesleyan University game at 2 pm on Saturday, November 14.
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