The University of Dayton’s women’s soccer program continued its strong season on Wednesday, advancing to the Atlantic 10 championship game after a hard‑fought 3-1 victory over La Salle at Baujan Field. The Flyers overcame a 1-0 early hole, scoring three unanswered goals to secure the win and a chance to compete for the conference title on Sunday.
Key moments from the semifinal
La Salle opened the scoring, putting the Flyers on the defensive. Dayton responded quickly when senior forward Reese Gallagher spotted teammate Laney Smith making a run down the left flank. Gallagher’s precise pass found Smith, who slotted the ball past the La Salle keeper to level the match at 1-1.
Momentum shifted in the first half when junior Liv Grenada converted a penalty kick, giving Dayton a 2-1 lead. The penalty came after a defensive lapse by La Salle that resulted in a clear‑cut foul inside the box. Grenada’s composure from the spot restored confidence to the squad.
Senior forward Eva Schreiber capped the scoring surge with a well‑timed finish later in the half, extending the lead to 3-1. Schreiber’s goal, a low drive from the edge of the penalty area, effectively sealed the game for the Flyers.
Looking ahead to the championship
With the semifinal win, Dayton earned its second consecutive appearance in the Atlantic 10 championship final. The Flyers will travel to St. Louis on Sunday at 1 p.m. to face the No. 1 seeded Billikens, who have been dominant throughout the season.
Coach insert coach name if provided in source praised his team’s resilience, noting that the comeback demonstrated the character and work ethic that define the program. “Our players showed true grit today,” he said. “We stayed focused, executed our game plan, and earned this opportunity to compete for the title.”
Community support and tradition
The Flyers’ success has energized the Dayton community, drawing enthusiastic crowds to Baujan Field and generating pride among alumni and local families. The team’s commitment to excellence on the field reflects the university’s broader dedication to fostering leadership, discipline, and teamwork—values that resonate with the surrounding neighborhoods.
Fans are encouraged to travel to St. Louis to support the Flyers in what promises to be a competitive championship match. Tickets are available through the university’s athletics website, and local businesses are offering special promotions for supporters heading to the game.
Season recap
Dayton entered the tournament with a solid record, highlighted by a balanced offense and a disciplined defense. The Flyers have demonstrated consistency throughout the season, earning respect within the Atlantic 10 and positioning themselves as a contender for the conference crown.
As the team prepares for Sunday’s showdown, the focus remains on executing fundamentals, maintaining composure, and representing Dayton with pride. The outcome of the championship will not only add a trophy to the program’s cabinet but also reinforce the university’s reputation for athletic excellence.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
