ELMHURST, Ill. – The Carroll University women's soccer team saw its 2026 season come to an end Wednesday night in a hard-fought CCIW Tournament contest against Elmhurst University. After battling the Bluejays to a scoreless draw through 110 minutes, the Pioneers were edged 5-4 in a penalty-kick shootout at Langhorst Field.
Neither side was able to break through during regulation, with Carroll's defense standing tall against sustained Elmhurst pressure. Goalkeeper Ava Lewandowski anchored the effort in net, recording nine saves while keeping the Bluejays off the scoreboard for all 110 minutes. Elmhurst finished with a 13-1 advantage in shots and placed nine attempts on goal, but Carroll remained composed defensively to extend the match beyond regulation.
The Pioneers kept Elmhurst scoreless despite the Bluejays generating five shots during the second half, with Lewandowski making four saves after halftime. Carroll also earned a pair of second-half corner kicks, but neither team was able to find the deciding goal before the end of regulation.
Elmhurst continued to apply pressure during the first overtime, registering three shots, but Carroll once again weathered the attack. Lewandowski made another save to preserve the clean sheet and send the match into the final 10-minute overtime period.
Carroll generated its best scoring opportunity in the 102nd minute when Ellie Pierson put the Pioneers' first and only shot of the night on frame, forcing Elmhurst goalkeeper Erin Fitzharris to make the save. Lewandowski answered on the other end with two more stops during the second overtime, and the match remained scoreless after 110 minutes.
With advancement coming down to penalty kicks, Naomy Gonzalez, Pierson, Harlie Seuser and Ellie Patrickus each converted their attempts for Carroll. Lewandowski also helped give the Pioneers an opening by denying Calli Edwards' attempt. The shootout remained tied through five rounds before Elmhurst converted in the sixth round to advance, 5-4.
Lewandowski's nine-save shutout highlighted a resilient final performance for the Pioneers, who held Elmhurst scoreless despite the Bluejays putting nine shots on target. Carroll's season concludes at 4-7-9 after pushing its final match all the way through regulation, two overtime periods and six rounds of penalty kicks.
While Wednesday marked the end of the 2026 campaign, the Pioneers closed the season displaying the toughness and determination that defined their group, battling until the final kick against one of the conference's top teams. Carroll's ability to compete through 110 minutes provided a fitting final effort and gives the program plenty to build on moving forward.
