Sept. 7, 2004

Slippery Rock, Pa. - For the first time this season, The Rock -- newly installed as the No. 6 team in the national poll -- depended on a solid defensive effort to get by Mercyhurst, 2-0, Tuesday night on Bob DiSpirito Field at N. Kerr Thompson Stadium. The win snapped a four-game losing streak in the all-time series and gave Rock head coach Noreen Herlihy temporary bragging rights vs. her alma mater. Sarah Arsenault scored her sixth goal of the season on a corner kick from Lauren Steele in the 33rd minute of the first half for what turned out to be the game-winning goal. Steele leads the team with five assists on the season. Jaimi Wilson added an insurance goal in the final minutes of the game for The Rock, assisted by Christy Czapor. Rock freshman goalkeeper Karrine Riggins earned her fourth victory and third shutout of the season. The Rock takes on Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference-Western Division rival Indiana U. of Pa. at 3 p.m. on Saturday, then entertains Northeast Regional foe Long Island-Southampton at noon on Sunday. Both matches will be played on James W. Egli Field.