The Pacers hosted their sixth straight Atlantic East Conference championship game, facing the Marymount University Saints, who sank Marywood in the 104th minute last season. Though the two teams drew 0-0 earlier in the season, the Pacers dominated the match, outshooting the Saints 24-4.

Marywood entered the game having not allowed a goal in 851 minutes of play, with the last goal being issued in a loss to Eastern University.

The Pacers dominated possession early in the match, finally finishing the elusive goal against the Saints, off the foot of freshman Maura Kirkpatrick.

Marywood was sloppy the remainder of the half, yet still went into halftime ahead 1-0.

After the halftime break, Marywood returned to its dominating ways, playing clean soccer. Marywood was able to score once more, with Kirkpatrick assisting Caroline Walters to double the Pacers advantage.

Though the Saints had a few opportunities to strike, the Marywood backline stood tall, securing its 16th clean sheet, the most in a single season in program history.

With the 2-0 victory, this was the Pacers’ third conference title since joining the Atlantic East Conference. However, this is the first under head coach Richard Owens, who took over at the helm in 2023.

“It’s not what we’re capable of, it’s what we’re willing to do,” Owens said. “We knew we were capable with the talent we had. It was just about the players being willing to do the work and they did, all season long.”

With her performance, Kirkpatrick was named Atlantic East Conference Tournament MVP. She was exceptional in her debut season with the Pacers, totaling eight goals and six assists entering the game.

“This is one team that is made out of pure love,” Kirkpatrick said. “Playing for each other, for the glory [and] love of the game. I think that unity and the teamwork that we have here is amazing and [how we] play with a purpose.”

With the victory, the Pacers have earned an automatic bid into the NCAA Division III tournament.

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