MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - The Penn State Harrisburg women's soccer team was ready to get their team back on track with a win over North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) foe Keuka after a tough loss to York just four days earlier. The ladies knew this game was going to be tough the visiting Storm were coming in with a 2-1 conference record. But the Lions bounced back in a big way thanks to their 6-1 victory on Saturday, Sep. 22 in front of a crowd of over 100 of their hometown fans.
The blue and white started the game strong from the first whistle. Penn State Harrisburg had most of the early chances and by the 25th minute a great pass by Kara Hoy (Camp Hill, Pa./ Camp Hill) was slotted nicely in the box to freshman Fay Ansary (Hummelstown, Pa. / Hershey) who skillfully placed her shot in the left side of the net and notched her fourth goal of the season.
Hoy refused to take her foot off the gas and with a great turn and drive earned herself a goal just six minutes later. The junior's score made it 2-0 which is where it would stay until the second half got underway.
However, the second period didn't start as flawlessly as the first for the Lions. The visitors got themselves back into the game with a nice breakaway finish just three minutes after the break.
But Penn State Harrisburg's junior transfer Lyndsay Naughton (Reading, Pa. / Reading Central Catholic) was able to give the blue and white some breathing room with a great header finish off a well-placed Rachel Shetler (Pequa, Pa. / Penn Manor) cross in the game's 55th minute.
Although Keuka did create a few scoring chances thanks to its speed up top, the Lions' defense would not allow the Storm any more opportunities to make this a game again. Lindsey Haldeman (Grantville, Pa. / Hershey Christian) showed again why she was a NEAC first-team all-conference selection a year ago as she continued to lead the back line with her attitude, confidence and strong play from center back.
After an own goal from Keuka made the score 4-1, a great run from left defender Tabitha Pranke (Seven Valleys, Pa. / Spring Grove) ended with the sophomore getting fouled in the box and earning the team a penalty kick. She earned it, so she took the shot herself and was happy to get her first goal of the season.
Ansary would cap the match's scoring by netting her fifth goal of the season from a great timed run received from a nicely weighted pass by Danell Engle (Halifax, Pa. / Halifax), who was credited with the assist.
"It was great to score some goals today but I am most pleased with the effort and the fact we came out with the win," said Penn State Harrisburg Head Coach Adam Clay. "Our back line has really been improving the past few weeks and it is great watching players like Lindsey (Haldeman) finding their roles as team leaders on the field."
"Today's game will definitely turn a few heads with the final score but it will also draw attention from other teams who will be eager to try and knock us down," continued Clay. "We need to stay focused on playing good passing team soccer and make sure we limit the mistakes that have caused us trouble this season, such as giving up early or late goals, which we did again today."
The Lions hope to continue their strong play with the conference in their next outing this Sunday, Sep. 23 when they play host to Wells at noon.