EDINBORO, Pa. – IUP women's soccer controlled much of the offensive action but could not find the equalizer, falling to Edinboro, 1-0, in the PSAC Tournament play-in match Saturday night at Sox Harrison Stadium.
The Crimson Hawks closed the season at 7-7-4 overall after outshooting the Fighting Scots 20-6 and putting 12 attempts on goal. Edinboro improved to 9-8-2 and advanced in the PSAC Tournament.
Edinboro scored the lone goal of the match in the 13th minute. Jada Cole found the back of the net at 12:48 off an assist from Grace Madison, giving the Fighting Scots an early 1-0 advantage.
IUP generated several opportunities to answer before halftime. Paige Fausey, Kat Morgan, Melody Leiva and Ayla Cook all put attempts on goal during the opening 45 minutes, but Edinboro goalkeeper Brianna Garey kept the Crimson Hawks off the board.
The Crimson Hawks increased the pressure after halftime, firing 13 shots over the final 45 minutes compared to just four from Edinboro. IUP put seven of those second-half attempts on goal but could not break through.
Cook spearheaded the IUP attack with seven shots, including five on goal. Morgan followed with four shots and two on target, while Zoe Ans-Bitchoka and Adi Myers each recorded three attempts. Myers put two shots on goal.
IUP finished with a 20-6 advantage in total shots, a 12-5 edge in shots on goal and a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Garey proved to be the difference for Edinboro, making 12 saves to preserve the shutout. Senior goalkeeper Kiley Hassinger made four saves for the Crimson Hawks while playing all 90 minutes.
The loss brought an end to IUP's first season under head coach Kernell Borneo. The Crimson Hawks finished 7-7-4 overall and earned a spot in the PSAC Tournament after going 7-6-3 in PSAC West regular-season play.
