Eva Frazzoni and her College of Saint Rose team-mates produced a major upset at the weekend to take a giant leap towards a first NCAA Division II Women’s national title in eight years.

The eleventh seed Golden Knights toppled six seed Bloomsburg 2-1 in a tight physical quarter-final indoors at the Afrim Sports Park in Colonie, New York, on Sunday.

“It was a very tough game physically and emotionally,” Frazzoni said.

“They were a very physical team, which we knew going into. Therefore, we had to make sure to keep our head steady, taking it one minute at a time.”

Saint Rose, the Northeast-10 Conference and East Region champions, led 2-0 at the break after first half goals from Olivia Boucher and Morgan Burchhardt, who scored from a 35-yard free kick. Bloomsburg rallied in the second half and pulled one back after Lauren Hoelke converted from the penalty spot.

However, Frazzoni, the former Bermuda Under-20 women’s captain, and her team-mates held on to clinch their spot in the last four.

“My team-mate [Burchardt] scored a phenomenal game-winner and helped us go into the second half with a lead,” Frazzoni added.

“However, when they were awarded a questionable penalty the game took a big turn and became very intense.”

Saint Rose will now face second seed Grand Valley State at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh on Thursday.

“We are preparing mentally and physically for the semis and are ready to leave everything out on the field,” Frazzoni said.

“It is still very surreal making the final four. It is an experience I will soak up and make the most of. I cannot wait to play in front of my fans that are travelling, including my family.”

Saint Rose finished the regular season as the top seeds in the Northeast-10 Conference.

They then clinched a record-tying eighth Northeast-10 Conference Championship title and with it their spot at the NCAA Tournament after recording home wins over Daeman College, Stonehill and Southern Connecticut State.

The Golden Knights advanced to the NCAA Division II Women’s national championship quarter-final after handing Molloy a 4-1 defeat in the East Region final on Friday.