Williamsport, Pa.– The Penn State Harrisburg women's soccer team defensive back line acted as a brick wall in front of the goal Wednesday night helping the Lions to come home with a 3-0 win over the Penn College Wildcats.
The Lions were led by center backs Morgan Gates (Harrisburg, Pa. / Central Dauphin) and Alyssa Crowley (Sunbury, Pa. / Shikellamy) who played with composure and poise as they acted as playmakers from the back throughout the night. This helped the Blue and White have the freedom to attack with numbers from a variety of positions.
Erica Hile (Ickesburg, Pa. / West Perry) got things started in the 12th minute getting her second goal of the season off a pass from midfielder Hannah Jorich (Middletown, Pa. / Middletown Area). Harrisburg continued to create chances and get shots off but was unable to find the net until Kylie Courtney (Honey Brook, Pa. / Twin Valley), just a minute into her first shift, sent a great ball in from the left side that found Rachel Shetler (Pequea, Pa. / Penn Manor) who muscled it into the net for a 2-0 lead.
The Wildcats pushed forward at the start of the second half hoping to get on the board, but again the Lion defense held strong. In addition to their great defensive play, outside backs Kristin Peckman (Chambersburg, Pa. / James Buchanan) and Danell Engle (Halifax, Pa. / Halifax) made quality runs forward adding another element to Harrisburg's offense.
Despite being up for most of the game, the Lions pushed hard to the end of the game looking for more goals. Jorich used her head for her fourth goal of the season to clinch the 3-0 win over Penn College at the 79th minute.
Freshman goalkeeper Lauren Fry (Sykesville, Md. / Century) got her first start of her collegiate career and came home with 3 saves as well as the shutout win. The Lions travel Saturday to face off against Hood College for their final test before starting Capital Athletic Conference play the following week.
Watch the post game interview below.