#6 Lady Tribs Late Surge Falls Short of Comeback in District Rivalry

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — In a battle of East District Powers, #6 Monroe Community College fell just short in a 3–2 thriller against in-state rival Monroe University on Saturday afternoon at John L. DiMarco Field

Sophomore forward Wiktoria Mikrut powered Monroe University (5-0-1) to the win with a dominant hat trick, including the eventual game-winner in the 66th minute. The Tribunes (5-2-1) fought back late, but the comeback fell just short despite a brace from standout forward Sam Cipolla (Rochester, NY).

First-Half Sparks

The visitors struck first, as Mikrut capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 13th minute, slotting home an unassisted goal to open the scoring. Monroe CC answered before the break, when Sam Cipolla found the net off a perfectly timed through ball from midfielder Lillian Boesel (Palmyra, NY) in the 37th minute.

Mikrut Takes Over

The second half belonged to Mikrut. Just three minutes after halftime, she tapped in a low cross from defender Sienna Powell to give Monroe U a 2–1 lead. Her third came in the 66th minute, finishing off a clever feed from midfielder Maiko Kikuchi to put the Mustangs up 3–1.

Late Tribune Push Falls Short

Monroe CC refused to back down. Cipolla notched her second of the match in the 80th minute, this time connecting with Ariadna Corral Sanchez to cut the deficit to 3–2. The Tribunes outshot Monroe U 19–11 and had several late chances, but goalkeeper Magdalena Syrek stood tall, making nine saves to preserve the win.

Game Notes

• Monroe CC keeper Celine Gubser stopped two of five shots on target.

• The match saw a flurry of yellow cards, with nine issued in the second half, including four in a four-minute span (80th–84th minute).

• Monroe CC had a 4–3 edge in corner kicks, and totaled 19 Shots (11 SOG) compared to the Mustangs 11 Shots (5 SOG)

Up Next: vs #9 Eastern Florida | 10/3 (6 PM) | John L DiMarco Field