The nationally-ranked Misericordia University women's soccer team advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a 3-1 win over Grove City, Saturday at Mangelsdorf Field.

The #6 Cougars will face Ithaca, Sunday at 1:00 at Mangelsdorf Field.  The Bombers advanced with a 1-0 overtime win over Penn State Behrend.

Emma Sweitzer had a goal and an assist and Alyssa Steenback and Caitlin Somerville added goals as the Cougars improved to 18-1-2.

Lauren Mondor made four saves in goal.

Steenback gave the Cougars the lead on a rebound goal early in the second half.  Sweitzer carried deep into the offensive zone and her tough-angle shot near the left post deflected off the keeper and Steenback buried the rebound at 48:47.

The Wolverines answered four minutes later, but it didn't take the Cougars long to regain the lead.

Madison Brdaric settled Haleigh Wintersteen's corner kick near the far post and Somerville buried a shot from close range to put MU back in front, 2-1, at 58:45.

The Cougars added an insurance goal when Sweitzer converted a PK less than a minute later.

Misericordia carried the play throughout much of the first and had several close calls.

Olivia Maniskas intercepted a clear attempt and dribbled through the Wolverines into the left side of the box where slotted a shot that was blown just wide of the right post in the gusty conditions.

MU threatened with three consecutive corner kicks midway through the first half, but Wintersteen's header in front was deflected just wide of the left post.

Sweitzer and Brenna Field played give-and-go off a corner late in the first half that resulted in a Sweitzer blast that was denied near the left post with less than four minutes remaining.