ERIE, Pa. – The IUP women's soccer team was unable to complete the season sweep of Gannon on Saturday evening, falling 2-0 to the Golden Knights at McConnell Family Stadium.
The Crimson Hawks (4-4-3, 4-4-2 PSAC) entered the matchup looking for their second victory over Gannon this season after earning a 2-1 win against the then-No. 14 Golden Knights in Indiana on Sept. 4.
IUP generated an opportunity early Saturday as Ayla Cook put a shot on goal in the fourth minute. Carolina Gutierrez followed with an attempt on target in the 16th minute, but Gannon goalkeeper Alwa Wennstroem stopped both chances.
The Golden Knights broke through in the 17th minute when Olivia Dixon converted a penalty kick to give Gannon a 1-0 advantage.
IUP continued to search for the equalizer, with Melody Leiva putting another shot on frame less than two minutes after the opening goal. The Crimson Hawks went into halftime trailing by just one despite Gannon holding a 10-3 advantage in shots.
Sarah Gatz helped keep IUP within striking distance throughout the opening half, making multiple stops as the Crimson Hawks remained one goal away from drawing even.
Gannon added an insurance goal in the 74th minute when Brooklyn Respecki scored off an assist from Grace Emanuel to make it 2-0.
Cook produced IUP's lone shot of the second half, putting the attempt on goal as the Crimson Hawks finished with all four of their shots on target.
Cook led IUP with two shots, while Leiva and Gutierrez added one apiece. Gatz played the opening 66:05 in goal before Kiley Hassinger finished the match for the Crimson Hawks.
Gannon finished with a 24-4 advantage in shots and a 10-4 edge in shots on goal. The Golden Knights also held a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks.
The setback moved IUP to 4-4-3 overall and 4-4-2 in conference play.
