CALIFORNIA, Pa. – Carolina Gutierrez broke a scoreless tie in the 79th minute as IUP women's soccer dominated possession and secured a 1-0 road victory over California (Pa.) on Saturday at Phillipsburg Soccer Facility.
The Crimson Hawks improved to 7-5-4 overall and 7-5-3 in PSAC West play while completing the regular-season sweep of the Vulcans.
IUP controlled the match from start to finish, holding California without a single shot or corner kick over 90 minutes. The Crimson Hawks finished with a 16-0 advantage in shots, putting nine attempts on goal, while holding a 10-0 edge in corner kicks.
After more than 78 scoreless minutes, Gutierrez provided the breakthrough at the 78:25 mark. Adi Myers picked up the assist as Gutierrez found the back of the net for her second goal of the season and gave IUP the 1-0 advantage.
The goal was all the Crimson Hawks needed defensively.
Senior goalkeeper Kiley Hassinger played all 90 minutes in goal as IUP posted its first shutout since a 4-0 victory over Pitt-Johnstown on Oct. 7.
Zoe Ans-Bitchoka led IUP with six shots, including three on goal. Gutierrez added three shots with two on frame, while Kat Morgan recorded two attempts.
California goalkeeper Kaleigh Rexroad kept the Vulcans in the match with eight saves, including five in the second half.
The victory completed IUP's season sweep of California after the Crimson Hawks earned a 3-1 victory in Indiana on Sept. 30.
