NEAC Tournament Semi-Final
Penn State Harrisburg 1, Keuka 0
Harrisburg Starters
Haladay, Haldeman, Stark, S. Hemler, Sharrow, Socash, Vavrek, Clippinger, Kosovac, Williams, Bressler
Keuka Starters
Pegg, Hall, Vito, Hoefling, Morris, Brown, Freda, Walsh, Wolf, McGuigan, Oglesby
How It Happened
Penn State Harrisburg capitalized on Sydney Hemler's first-half goal to defeat second-seeded Keuka in the semifinals of the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) Championship Tournament. The Lions advance to face Penn State Berks in the conference title game.
The Lions offense got off to a strong start when Rhyan Socash put the team's first shot of the game on goal in the 11th minute. Harrisburg would earn a corner in the 17th minute and Danielle Bressler stepped up to take the kick. Bressler served the ball into the box finding the head of Sydney Hemler. Hemler headed the ball inside the right post, putting Harrisburg ahead 1-0.
Harrisburg continued to put pressure on the Wolves defense, taking 14 shots, including 11 shots on goal. Meanwhile, the Lions defense frustrated Keuka's offensive attack. When the Wolves did put a shot on goal, Hannah Williams was up for the challenge making six key saves.
The Blue & White held the 1-0 advantage at the half, and they started the second half strong. Kristen Stark ripped a shot just wide of the goal just 36 seconds into the half. Moments later, Sydney Hemler ripped a shot on frame, but the Wolves goalkeeper Jessica Pegg made a critical save. Harrisburg would continue to control possession throughout the second half, taking 10 shots in the half. The Lions held on for the 1-0 victory, advancing to the NEAC Championship game.
Inside the Numbers
- Sydney Hemler scored the games lone goal on a header in the 17th minute
- The Lions outshot the Wolves, 14-10
- Danielle Bressler recorded her second assist of the season on Hemler's goal
- Harrisburg held the advantage in corner kicks, 6-2
- Hannah Williams made six key saves in the shutout
- Rhyan Socash took a game high eight shots, putting seven on goal
- With the win, Harrisburg will make its third appearance in the NEAC title game, with the last appearance coming in 2010
Who's Next?
The Lions advance NEAC Championship Game where they will take on tournament host Penn State Berks on Sunday, Nov. 10. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
Stay Connected
Be sure to follow @pshbgathletics on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for the latest and most in-depth coverage of Penn State Harrisburg athletics.