HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – To keep their season alive, the Royals came into Wednesday night’s game needing to do something they hadn’t done since 2006: beat Roanoke.

Unfortunately for EMU, this wasn’t their year to snap the streak, as the Maroons picked up two second-half goals, and hung on at the end, for a 2-1 win over the Royals.

Records: EMU 6-10-2, 4-6-0 ODAC | Roanoke 8-6-4, 5-3-2 ODAC

Highlights
• EMU came out aggressive early, and was able to pick up a shot from Esme Cardoso in just the third minute. But her shot was off-target, keeping the game tied at zero. The Maroons had a trio of chances themselves, but a save from CJ Jefferson and two shots off the woodwork, sent the teams to the half scoreless.
• It didn’t take long in the second half, just 2:58 to be exact, for Roanoke to break the scoreless tie, as Madalyn Szoke sent a pass across the box to Ava Walker, who put it past Jefferson for a 1-0 lead.
• 15 minutes later and a Jefferson save later, with RC still leading 1-0, they added to their lead when Lauren Fisher dribbled around a Royals defender and fired a shot that just grazed off the fingertips of Jefferson and into the goal, for a 2-0 Maroons lead.
• With just 10 minutes left, EMU was able to get on the board after Bridget Hay took advantage of a mistake from the Maroons keeper, and scored her ODAC-leading 15th goal of the season. But that would be the final offensive opportunity for the Royals, as Roanoke held on for the win, securing the seventh seed in the upcoming ODAC Tournament.

Statistical Leaders
Goals: Hay (1)
Saves: Jefferson (3)

What’s Next
Tonight’s loss wraps up the 2026 season for the Royals, but they graduate just one senior, Hannah Kepler, and will look to return with a strong group for the 2027 season.

— EMU Athletics —