BEXLEY, Ohio -- Making their first appearance in the Ohio Athletic Conference tournament since 2010, the Heidelberg University women's soccer team fell on the road to Capital University.  The third-seeded Comets defeated the sixth-seeded Student Princes, 3-1.  

The loss closes out a memorable season for The Berg at 11-7 overall.  The campaign included back-to-back wins over tough non-conference opponents St. Marys and Westminster, a win over Ohio Northern (HU's first since 1997), and a win at John Carroll (HU's first since 2007).  During the season, Audrey Kaufman registered 14 goals, a total which puts her in the top 10 in a single season in program history.  Meredith Bruce finished with 133 saves and five shutouts.  All of this was accomplished with a first-year head coach.  

Not bad for a team picked ninth in the preseason conference poll.  

"It is impossible to describe how proud I am on this team," said Head Coach Maddie McLaughlin, who merits consideration for OAC Coach of the Year.  "The way they overcame adversity -- on the field and off -- is amazing.  This team will forever hold a special place in my heart."

By design, Heidelberg played defensively and relied on counterattacks to generate offense.  In the 29th minute, Capital's Lexi Snider crossed the ball into the penalty area. A misplay by the Student Princes allowed Olivia Rotolo an opportunity to get a foot on the ball -- which she converted into the opening goal of the game.  The Comets carried the one-goal lead into halftime.  

The Comets doubled their lead very early in the second half.  Avery Hart drove down the left side, cut back into the penalty area, then used her right foot to strike the ball into the upper right corner of the goal.  

In the 55th minute, Mia Gambaccini netted a goal on a corner kick that snuck through the HU defense.  

Shortly thereafter, Bekah Thomas swung on a loose ball in the box and sent a shot that seemed destined for the back of the net.  Instead, it hit the outstretched arms of Capital's Sophia Leonetti. Leonetti, who seemed to be protecting her face, was issued a red card.  The penalty kick by Ainsley Tucker hit the inside of the post and bounced back into the field of play.  

Heidelberg got on the board in the 80th minute.  Makenzie Damsa tracked down a ball in the left corner and played it back to Chloe Grevious.  Grevious sailed the ball into the penalty area where Kaufman headed it past Lauren White.  

Capital outshot Heidelberg 23-10.  Bruce made eight saves on the evening, bringing her career total to 280 saves -- ninth-most in program history.  

The Comets will advance to face Ohio Northern in the semifinals on Thursday.  

Photo credit: Carrie Wyman, Capital Sports Information