ERIE, PA – Gannon exploded for six second half goals to pull away from the Crimson Hawks as IUP lost to the Golden Knights 7-1 in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) women's soccer match on Tuesday afternoon.
The Golden Knights were led by Justine Rodrigues and Mani Brueckner in their second half in their second half surge. Rodrigues tallied a hat trick while Brueckner had a goal and three assists.
IUP's lone goal came from
Taylor Vladic (Duncansville, Pa. /Hollidaysburg) in the 34th minute, as nice passes by
Brittney Kuhns (Middleburg, Pa. /Midd-West) and
Riley Bartoo (Lima, N.Y./Honeoye Falls) led to the game's opening goal.
Gannon scored just 18 seconds later to tie things up heading into halftime. The Golden Knights outshot IUP 28-5, getting off 17 shots in the second half alone.
With the loss the Crimson Hawks fall to 9-6-2 overall and 8-6-1 in the PSAC. Gannon improves to 8-8 and 8-7.
Six spots have been clinched in the upcoming PSAC tournament, with IUP still working towards securing one of those final two postseason berths. The Crimson Hawks have 25 points with one game left to play – Saturday at home against Mercyhurst (3-10-2). Gannon is now one point back with Clarion (3-10-2) left on the schedule, while Millersville also has a shot with 22 points, and has Pitt-Johnstown (0-14) on Saturday.
The Crimson Hawks can grab one of the final two spot with a win on Saturday. Kickoff at South Campus Field is set for 1:30 p.m.
