Women's Soccer

Montclair State Claims NJAC Women's Soccer Championship in Dramatic Penalty Kick Shootout

2025 NJAC Women's Soccer Championship Central | Bracket
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MONTCLAIR, NJ --- Top-seeded Montclair State defeated second-seeded Rowan University 4-3 in a penalty kick shootout to capture the NJAC Women's Soccer Championship on November 7, 2025, at MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field, after the match ended 1-1 following two overtime periods.
 
With the title in hand, the Red Hawks earn the NJAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament. The NCAA selection show is scheduled for Monday.
 
The Red Hawks (13-0-6) converted four of five penalty kick attempts, with successful conversions from Madeline Lesica, Mackenzie Albert, Kylie Prendergast, and goalkeeper Salange Bell. Rowan (13-1-4) had three successful kicks from Lianna SanFelice, Sara Wiedeman, and Olivia Giordano.
 
Rowan appeared poised to claim the championship after Siena Sowers gave the Profs a 1-0 lead in the 67th minute with an unassisted goal. The advantage held for nearly 20 minutes until Montclair State's Samira Lukovic equalized in the 86th minute with an unassisted strike to send the match to overtime.
 
Despite Rowan's dominance in the first half, when they outshot Montclair State 6-0 and earned a corner kick while the Red Hawks had none, the championship remained deadlocked through two 10-minute overtime periods.
 
The second half and overtime periods belonged to Montclair State, who outshot Rowan 9-3 in the second half and held slight advantages in both overtime sessions. The Red Hawks finished with an 11-10 edge in total shots.
 
Rowan's Leah Edinger was outstanding in goal, making four saves including three in the second half when Montclair State mounted sustained pressure. Bell made two saves for the Red Hawks, both coming in the first half to keep the match scoreless at the break.
 
For Montclair State, Lukovic finished with three shots and two on goal to go along with her crucial equalizer, while Kira Henderson contributed two shots with one on target. Olivia Giordano led Rowan's attack with four shots, one on target, while Wiedeman added three attempts with one on goal.
 
Montclair State held a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks, with all five of their set pieces coming in the second half and overtime as they pressed for the equalizer and potential winner.