Indiana, Pa. – The Mercyhurst women’s soccer team played at Indiana (Pa.) for the second time in four days Tuesday, Nov. 3, facing off against the Crimson Hawks in the PSAC quarterfinal at South Campus Field. IUP’s Allison Keller scored the game’s only goal midway through the first half, giving the host Crimson Hawks a 1-0 lead and a berth in Friday’s PSAC semifinal.

Mercyhurst’s record stands at 12-7-1 following the defeat, while IUP improves to 13-5-1, and will play against Kutztown at West Chester Friday in the PSAC semifinal.

The Lakers, the PSAC West’s No. 3 seed, and 2nd-seeded Crimson Hawks met in a rematch of the 2008 PSAC final, which the Lakers won, 2-1, giving Mercyhurst its first PSAC championship in any sport.

Indiana had beaten Mercyhurst 3-1 Saturday, Oct. 31 at South Campus Field, earning a rematch with the Lakers at the same location Tuesday. Mercyhurst looked to avenge Saturday’s setback and continue its recent postseason success.

Playing through adverse weather and field conditions once again, the teams battled through a low-scoring contest. Mercyhurst absorbed pressure during the first half, and the Crimson Hawks held an 11-6 advantage in shots during the first half. IUP broke through midway into the first half, as Allison Keller scored her third goal of the season, assisted by Kim Kowalski at 22:36. Mercyhurst placed four shots on goal during the first half, but IUP keeper Kelly Brennan stopped each one, preserving Indiana’s slim 1-0 lead after 45 minutes of play.

During the second half, the Lakers increased the offensive pressure, holding IUP to just one shot while registering seven shot attempts of its own, six of which required saves. Indiana took the only two corners of the second half. Brennan turned aside each Mercyhurst offering during the second half, finishing her 10-save shutout effort. IUP clinched a berth in the PSAC semifinal with the 1-0 victory.

For the match, the Lakers held a 13-12 edge in total shots, and also registered 10 shots on target to IUP’s three.

Mercyhurst keeper Rachel Griepsma stopped two shots, both during the first half. Brennan recorded her fifth shutout of the season with 10 saves.

Head coach Keith Cammidge said, “We had a tremendous effort today that just fell short. We’ll . . . wait to see if we qualified for the NCAA tournament. During the first half, we absorbed pressure, and we put the pressure on in the second half. Their keeper made a couple really good saves in the second half.”

Five Lakers posted two or more shots Tuesday, led by Renai Medeiros’ three attempts. Also attempting two shots were: Danielle Braun, Taylor Hilinski, Jessie Roberts and Jamie Schroter.

Following Tuesday’s setback, Mercyhurst is now 3-1 in PSAC tournament games, and 5-2 overall in postseason play over the last two seasons. Additionally, the program has gone 7-4-1 in postseason contests since the beginning of the 2006 campaign.

Mercyhurst will wait until Monday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m., when the NCAA tournament field is released, to find out whether they will compete in the national tournament for the fourth year in a row. The Lakers were ranked No. 5 in last week’s Atlantic Region poll, with the final regular season poll to be released Wednesday, Nov. 4.


CALIFORNIA, Pa. - The Gannon University women’s soccer team lost 2-0 at #25 California (Pa.) in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West quarterfinal Tuesday.

Elizabeth Johnston scored to break a scoreless tie in the 57th minute. Sam Regney gave the Vulcans insurance with a goal at the 63:24 mark of the second half.

Cal, regular season PSAC Western Division champions, outshot GU 21-9, shooting 13 times in the second half. Senior #Sabrina Chirco# (Brampton, Ontario/St. Thomas Aquinas) totaled 12 saves in net for the Knights.

Gannon fell to 10-7-1 overall. Cal improved to 16-4-1 overall and will advance to the PSAC Final Four this weekend.

The Knights now wait for announcement on a potential NCAA Tournament bid. Tournament selections will be made Monday, November 9, at 7 p.m.