Pittsburgh, Pa. – The Duquesne University women's soccer team dropped its 2026 season opener Wednesday, falling 3-1 at Eastern Michigan.
POINTS OF EMPHASIS
Duquesne struck first in the 12th minute when senior
Jayden Sharpless converted a penalty kick to give the Dukes a 1-0 lead.
Eastern Michigan answered six minutes later to even the score at 1-1, which held through halftime.
The Dukes and Eagles traded saves early in the second half before Eastern Michigan took the lead in the 70th minute. The Eagles added an insurance goal six minutes later to make it 3-1.
Grace Fogarty put a shot on goal in the 77th minute for the Dukes, but the attempt was saved and proved to be the final shot of the night for the Red and Blue.
DEBUT DUKES
Freshmen
Molly Kinsella (71 minutes),
Claire Beasley (66 minutes) and
Addy Mills (71 minutes) each started in their collegiate debuts. Six freshmen entered the contest with
Carolyn Arcoleo,
Allison Bechtel, and
Emma Sanderow also seeing action.
NOTES
Sharpless scored her second career goal and first since her freshman season in 2023, finishing with two shots, both on goal ... Senior
Kaitlyn Killinger recorded two shots, both on goal ... Duquesne finished with nine shots, five on goal, while EMU totaled 14 shots with seven on frame ... Sharpless,
Anna Bundy and
Reagan Basehore each played all 90 minutes ... Senior goalkeeper
Ali Hughes made four saves across 90 minutes in net.
UP NEXT
Duquesne continues its three-game season-opening road trip next Thursday (Aug. 20) at Cleveland State. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
FOLLOW THE DUKES
For the latest news and information on Duquesne women's soccer, follow the Dukes on X and Instagram.
