INDIANA, Pa. – Sophomore Hannah Scardina exploded for four goals to pace the Crimson Hawks offense as the IUP women's soccer program defeated visiting Pitt-Johnstown 5-3 at South Campus Field on Saturday.
 
Scardina's four goals tied an IUP single game record equaled three times previous, the last coming in 2019 from current teammate Mahogany Willis. The record was originally set by Erin Falce against Penn State Altoona in 2004 and tied a first time by Sarah Romasco against Clarion in 2006.
 
The offensive explosion came at a good time for the Crimson Hawks, who had not scored in their previous three outings. IUP improved to 3-2-1 overall and 2-2-1 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).
 
Scardina used her speed on each of her goals, most coming on breakaways or 1-on-1 opportunities with the goalie. Her first score came in the 16th minute and was almost immediately followed by a score by Kristen Finnerty to make it 2-0 minutes later.
 
Scardina achieved a hat trick in the first half, adding goals in the 24th and 27th minutes, as IUP took a 4-0 lead into the break.
 
After a UPJ goal early in the second half, Scardina posted her record-tying score in the 80th to get the differential back to four. The Mountain Cats added two scores in the final minute to make the match closer than it appeared.
 
Alayna Ryan, Finnerty, and Natalie DiCureia each tallied assists on the afternoon.
 
Up next
The Crimson Hawks hit the road for a pair of games next week, first at Seton Hill on Wednesday and then at Mercyhurst on Saturday.
 
Follow
For up-to-date­­ information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's soccer on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPsoccer.