DAVENPORT, Iowa — Park University needed a win going into Davenport on Saturday night against the team that started the match as eighth in the standings, St. Ambrose. It was simple: if Park beat St. Ambrose, they would pass the Fighting Bees and claim the last end-of-season tournament spot. Any other result meant the Bees were going into their first year in the Heart of America Conference, and Park wasn't. However, the Pirates got the job done. Park built a two-goal lead and fought off late pressure to seal the win.
First Half
Park wasted little time putting pressure on the Saint Ambrose defense. After earning an early corner kick in the second minute, the Pirates continued to push forward and found the breakthrough in the seventh minute.
At 6:13, Leticia Quadros scored the opening goal, giving Park a 1-0 advantage. The Pirates continued to create opportunities, with Aryana Rashidi forcing a save from Saint Ambrose goalkeeper Jonna Tucker in the 16th minute.
Park doubled its lead in the 20th minute. Preslee Zeigler struck the crossbar at 19:10, and just nine seconds later, Lilli Porsch found the back of the net to make it 2-0.
The Pirates continued to threaten after the second goal. Quadros had an attempt blocked in the 27th minute, while Rashidi sent a header off the crossbar moments later. Preslee Zeigler and Maddy Farris also tested the Saint Ambrose defense as Park carried its two-goal advantage into halftime.
Park outshot Saint Ambrose 10-4 in the opening half and put five of its first-half attempts on target.
Second Half
Saint Ambrose came out with more attacking pressure after the break, but Park initially continued to generate chances. Laura Suarez and Jemima Guise each forced saves from Tucker during the opening six minutes of the second half, while Farris added another shot on target in the 54th minute.
The Fighting Bees began to turn the momentum with a series of attacking opportunities. A Mia Vetter header struck the crossbar in the 57th minute, and Veronica Gordon followed with a blocked attempt.
Saint Ambrose finally broke through at 57:32 when Olivia Infante scored to cut Park's lead to 2-1.
The goal set up a tense final half-hour. Park goalkeeper Frankie Williams made an important save on Charlise Martel in the 72nd minute, helping preserve the Pirates' one-goal advantage. Park also had to manage a pair of yellow cards during the second half, with Avery Bird cautioned in the 59th minute and the team receiving a booking in the 75th minute.
Park continued looking for an insurance goal. Hailey Peters forced another save from Tucker in the 79th minute, but the Pirates ultimately relied on their defensive organization to protect the lead.
Saint Ambrose earned a late corner kick in the 87th minute and continued to search for an equalizer. A Vetter header went high, and Martel had a late attempt blocked as Park held on through the final whistle.
Park earned the right to play top-seeded Clarke on Tuesday in the Heart of America Conference Quarterfinal. The match starts at 7 p.m.
