Bismarck, N.D. – The University of Mary women’s soccer program has broken a 19‑year drought by clinching a berth in the NCAA Division II tournament. The Marauders entered the postseason with a 13‑3‑3 record and a #5 seed, reflecting a season of steady improvement and resilience.
Season highlights and tournament draw
Throughout the year, the Marauders posted a 13‑game unbeaten streak that propelled them to the top of the NSIC conference standings. Their success culminated in the program’s first regular‑season conference championship, a historic milestone for the university.
In the NSIC tournament, the team fell 2‑1 to Bemidji State in the first round, but the loss did not diminish their overall achievement. The NCAA selection committee rewarded the Marauders with a #5 seed in the national bracket, matching them against Central Missouri, a 14‑2‑4 squad, in the first round of the tournament.
Coach and player reactions
“It means a lot, especially that we get to do it together,” sophomore midfielder Addison Massey said. “We started out this season not how we wanted to start, and to see the team grow into this is just really impressive and exciting.” The sentiment was echoed by teammates and coaching staff, who praised the collective effort that turned a rocky start into a championship‑winning campaign.
What’s next for the Marauders?
The first‑round matchup will take place on Friday in Washburn, Kansas. A victory would send the Marauders to a second‑round game on Sunday, extending their historic run and offering senior players a memorable finale to their collegiate careers.
University of Mary officials highlighted the broader impact of the team’s success on the campus community. “Our athletes embody the values of hard work, perseverance, and faith,” said Athletic Director Jeff Daniels. “Their achievement brings pride to our students, alumni, and the entire Bismarck area.”
Community support
Local fans have rallied around the team, with many planning to travel to Kansas to cheer on the Marauders. The university’s social media channels have been buzzing with encouragement, using the hashtag #MakeItYours to celebrate the milestone.
As the Marauders prepare for their tournament debut, the University of Mary community looks forward to a weekend that could rewrite the program’s history and inspire future generations of student‑athletes.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
