The McDaniel College women’s soccer team defeated Salisbury 2-0 on Sept. 4, 2026, in St. Mary’s City, Maryland, as Alaina Miller recorded two assists and Sierra Ruehl earned her second career shutout in the Seahawk Classic.
The victory moved McDaniel College to 1-0-1 and extended its unbeaten streak to two matches. Salisbury fell to 0-2, while McDaniel improved to 2-0-2 in its last four meetings with Salisbury since 2023.
McDaniel College builds two-goal lead
Hariette Ngwatung opened the scoring in the ninth minute with her first collegiate goal. The first-year player also earned a point for the second consecutive game.
Katie Pena-Bandalo, a sophomore, doubled McDaniel College’s lead in the 26th minute with her first career goal. Miller recorded her second assist after Salisbury goalkeeper Riley Kinzeler saved Miller’s initial shot, allowing Pena-Bandalo to finish the rebound.
Miller, Ngwatung and Pena-Bandalo have accounted for all 10 of McDaniel College’s points this season. Miller entered the match with two goals from McDaniel College’s 2-2 tie at York (Pa.) in the season opener and has six points this season.
Sierra Ruehl preserves the shutout
Salisbury took eight second-half shots after falling behind 2-0, including five on goal. Ruehl saved all five shots on goal to preserve the shutout.
The performance gave Ruehl two shutouts in her last three starts dating back to last season. She recorded her first career clean sheet in McDaniel College’s 1-0 win against Gettysburg on Oct. 29, 2025.
McDaniel College scheduled to face St. Mary’s (Md.)
McDaniel College was scheduled to conclude its three-game road trip to open the 2026 season against host St. Mary’s (Md.) at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2026. The match was scheduled to be the team’s next contest following the victory over Salisbury.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
McDaniel College’s 2-0 victory featured two first-half goals and a strong defensive response after halftime. Miller’s two assists helped create both goals, while Ruehl stopped all five of Salisbury’s second-half shots on goal.
Ngwatung and Pena-Bandalo each scored the first collegiate or career goal of their respective careers, and the result gave McDaniel College a 1-0-1 start. The victory also extended McDaniel College’s unbeaten streak against Salisbury to four meetings since 2023.
Source: Original report
