INDIANA, Pa. – The unbeaten home streak continued for the IUP women's soccer team Wednesday afternoon as the Crimson Hawks used goals from three different players to secure a 3-1 victory over California (Pa.) at South Campus Field.
IUP controlled much of the match offensively, finishing with a 15-7 advantage in shots and putting nine attempts on goal.
The Crimson Hawks wasted little time getting on the board. Sophomore Zoe Ans-Bitchoka opened the scoring just three minutes into the match, curling a left-footed shot past the California goalkeeper to give IUP an early 1-0 advantage.
The lead lasted just over a minute as California's Emma Ziskowski answered, leveling the match at 1-1 inside the opening five minutes.
IUP regained the advantage in the 30th minute. Kat Morgan found the back of the net off an assist from Izzy Sawich, sending the Crimson Hawks into halftime with a 2-1 lead. The assist gave Sawich points in two of IUP's last three matches.
The Crimson Hawks maintained their one-goal advantage deep into the second half before adding some insurance in the 80th minute. Senior Melody Leiva was fouled inside the box, setting up a penalty kick for junior Adi Myers. Myers converted from the spot to extend IUP's lead to 3-1.
Morgan and Ans-Bitchoka provided much of IUP's offensive pressure, combining for eight shots and five attempts on goal.
IUP also held a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks. Despite the physical nature of the match, the teams combined for just 11 fouls.
Junior goalkeeper Sarah Gatz made four saves on five shots on goal for the Crimson Hawks. Kaleigh Rexroad recorded six saves for the Vulcans.
IUP returns to the road Saturday with a trip to Erie to face Gannon. The Crimson Hawks defeated the Golden Knights 2-1 in the first meeting between the teams this season at South Campus Field.
Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
