Middletown, Pa. – The Penn State Harrisburg women's soccer team fought valiantly in their match against the Christopher Newport Captains on Saturday October 11th. Despite the effort, the Lions eventually ended the game down 3-1 to the Captains who remain the only undefeated team in the Capital Athletic Conference.
The Lions played toe to toe with the captains from the starting whistle, but a series of defensive lapses in the 6th minute led to a tap in goal for Newport that put the visitors up 1-0. Harrisburg continued to keep possession for most of the first 20 minutes, but eventually the Captains found the net once more to take a 2-0 lead going into the half.
Harrisburg started the second half strong and in the 55th minute the center midfield duo of Rachel Shetler (Pequea, Pa. / Penn Manor) and Hannah Jorich (Middletown, Pa / Middletown) combined to switch the field to find freshman winger Eliza Grim (Millersburg, Pa. / Millersburg). Grim's shot from outside the 18 found the top of the net and gave the Lions all the momentum they needed to start the comeback.
Unfortunately, just two minutes later, the Blue and White defense got caught ball watching and allowed an unmarked runner to get CNU's second tap in goal of the day. Despite the three goals, GK Mackenzie Gates (Harrisburg, Pa. / Central Dauphin) was brilliant in front of her net today and finished the game with a season high 15 saves.
"As a team we have shown tremendous improvement from where we were at this point a season ago. I have known we have the potential to compete with the top teams in the CAC and after today our team believes it as well. It is up to the ladies to decide whether they are happy to be a team that just competes or a team that wants something more from this season." Head coach Adam Clay following today's match.
The Lions hit the road in what could be a pivotal game against the Wesley Wolverines on Wednesday October 15th at 7:00 pm.