NEW LONDON, Conn. - The Coast Guard women's soccer team's season came to an end with a 2-1 loss to third-ranked MIT in the opening round of the NEWMAC tournament. The game was marked by an action-packed first 15 minutes, during which all three goals were scored.

With this defeat, the Bears conclude the season with a 2-11-6 record. In both matchups against MIT this year, Coast Guard proved to be extremely competitive, with each game decided by just a single goal.

The action got off to a fast start as MIT took the lead in the opening minute. The Engineers found the back of the net just 37 seconds into the match to take a 1-0 advantage. The Bears quickly responded in the 11th minute when sophomore Lulu Vlases leveled the score with a well-placed shot, set up by a perfect assist from senior Riley Vicinanzo.

However, MIT regained the lead just over three minutes later, taking a 2-1 advantage that would hold through the end of the first half.

The second half saw both teams continue to press for goals, with a combined 22 shots taken between the two sides. While neither team found the back of the net after the break, both goalkeepers were tested throughout the half. Coast Guard pushed hard for an equalizer but was unable to break through the MIT defense.

A standout performance came from senior goalie Emily Scharnitzky, who capped off her Coast Guard career with a remarkable 12-save effort, keeping her team in the game with several crucial stops. Scharnitzky's performance was a fitting end to a stellar career between the posts for the Bears.

Though Coast Guard was unable to secure the win, they fought valiantly until the final whistle, leaving everything on the field in their season finale.