By: Christina Cracolici, USM Director of Athletic Communications

GRANTHAM, Pa.   -  Addie Martin scored twice to lead the No. 4 Messiah University Falcons to a 6-1 win over the University of Southern Maine Huskies in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament.
 
The Huskies, the 2025 Little East Conference Champions, were making their fourth consecutive appearance in the NCAA national tournament, claiming the conference crown the last four seasons (2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025).  Southern Maine freshman forward Marie Benoit (Hallowell, Maine/Hall-Dale) scored the Huskies' lone goal in the 50^th minute. It marked the rookie forward's fourth goal of her debut intercollegiate season.
 
The Records:
Southern Maine (11-11-2)
No. 4 Messiah (20-2)
 
Today's game marks the first time in program history that the Huskies have faced the Messiah University Falcons.
 
Appearing in the NCAA tournament for the fourth consecutive season (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) after repeating as the Little East Conference Champion in those same seasons, the Huskies are 1-4 all-time in NCAA tourney games.
 
How It Happened:

• Martin opened the scoring for the Falcons in the 13^th minute, heading in a ball to the far post for her 13^th goal of the season.  The Falcons tacked on two more goals before the half to lead USM 3-0.
• Benoit put the Huskies on the board with a shot to the top of the net in the 50^th to make it a 3-1 game.  Finding some success in the Falcons' third, the Huskies gained some momentum, but a breakaway from Martin in the 64^th pushed the Messiah lead to 4-1. 

 
Inside the Stats:  

• Senior forward Riley Reitchel (Palermo, Maine/Erskine Academy) finished her final seasonas a Husky with 10 goals and seven assists for 27 points in 2025. In her 88 game career, Reitchel amassed 32 goals, 23 assists and 87 points in her 79-game career. Reitchel is fourth in career games played, and is third in career goals (32).  Her 23 assists are second all time, while her 87 career points are third all-time.
• The Huskies' senior class has a combined record of 59-20-13 in their four seasons (.719) and were 24-3-5 in Little East Conference game (.828).

 
The Goalkeepers:
SM: Madi Cook (6-3-0), 60:47, 3 GA, 3 Saves; Halle Brown, 29:13, 3 GA, 2 Saves
MU: Ava Wert (1-0), 73:18, 1 GA, 0 Saves; Ellie Ockrin, 16:42, 0 GA, 1 Save
 
Up Next:
The Huskies conclude their 2025 season.
 
-cac-