HOBOKEN, N.J. (November 5, 2019)  – Senior Julia Panko and sophomore Brynn Budka each found the back of the net to lead No. 18/18 Stevens Institute of Technology women's soccer over Wilkes 2-0 Tuesday evening in a MAC Freedom semifinal fixture at the DeBaun Athletic Complex.

Sophomore Izzy DiDario made a pair of saves for the Ducks, who won their 12th straight to improve to 14-3-1. Stevens advanced to the conference's championship match in its first season of competition in the MAC Freedom and will be in search of its fifth straight conference crown after the program claimed four straight Empire 8 Conference titles before leaving the conference last summer.

Samantha Cecere made 10 saves for Wilkes, who dropped to 8-8-1. The setback snapped the Colonels' two-match winning streak. Stevens has won all five meetings between the programs.

Panko broke through in the fourth minute, converting her fourth penalty shot of the season and eighth of her illustrious career. Senior Gabby Saade earned the chance, drawing a hard foul against a Wilkes defender inside the scoring area, which set up Panko's opportunity. The marker extended Panko's scoring streak to six.

Budka provided valuable insurance in the 16th minute, converting a loose ball in the box for her first collegiate goal. Panko sent in a service after the Ducks earned a corner. Budka had the first touch, directing the ball back into the crowd inside the six. Cecere came off her line to make a play on the ball, but never completely secured it and lost possession after coming into contact with the crowd gathered at the edge of the six. Sophomore Taylor Whitlock had a pair of touches, but was unable to fire off a scoring attempt. Budka rejoined the play and the Limerick, Pennsylvania native struck the ball over Cecere into the goal to give the Ducks a two-goal lead.

Inside the Numbers

• Stevens outshot Wilkes, 23-9, including a 12-2 edge in shots on net. The margin was 13-2 in the opening half, and just 10-7 in the second and Wilkes pressed forward in an attempt to tie the match.
• Saade recorded a match-high five shots. Emily Bidelspach paced Wilkes with three shots, although only one of the three tries were on-net, and all occurred in the second half.
• The Ducks earned seven corners against only two for the Colonels. 
• Panko's 13 goals mark a new career high.

Unsung Heroes

• The defensive group pitched their fourth straight clean sheet. The team has not conceded a goal since the 71st minute against DeSales on Oct. 23 - a span of 379:41.

From the Sidelines (Head Coach Jeff Parker)

• "Good start and first half tonight. Tough to play such an important contest with the short turnaround, but I thought our group did a good job and taking control of the match so early was integral to our success. The support from the student-athletes in the crowd was enormous and we're looking to return that level of energy tomorrow night to our fellow Ducks. Now, a few days to prepare for our tenth match with an NCAA Tournament team from a year ago, in Misericordia, with the conference title on the line. We'll do everything we can to get ready to try to bring it home to Castle Point."

Up Next

• No. 18/18 Women's Soccer welcomes Misericordia University to Hoboken on Saturday, Nov. 9 with the MAC Freedom Championship and a spot in the NCAA Tournament on the line.
• The Ducks bested the Cougars 1-0 on Oct. 5 in Stevens' first MAC Freedom matchup. Panko snapped a scoreless tie in the 88th minute to power the Ducks to victory in what is believed to be the first meeting between the programs.
• Links for live stats and video are available on StevensDucks.com.

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