SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University women's soccer team clinched a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Tournament berth with a 3-0 shutout of Lock Haven University Saturday afternoon at a rain-soaked James Egli Field.
 
The victory improves The Rock's record to 9-6-1 on the season overall and 9-4-1 in league play. The win assures that Slippery Rock will play in the conference tournament for a seventh consecutive year. The victory also locks up SRU's 21st consecutive regular season with a winning record, the seventh longest streak in NCAA Division II history.
 
SRU was led on the day by the freshmen duo of Kaitlyn Barackman and Tyler Spence. Both players scored a goal. It was Spence's second of the season and Barackman's first of her collegiate career.
 
As a team, Slippery Rock held a 21-14 advantage in total shots, an 11-3 edge in shots on goal and a 6-4 lead in corner kicks.
 
Maddy Tletski and Dara Demich tied for a match-best three shots on goal followed by Barackman (two), Spence (one) and Sam Thornton (one). Demich also had one assist.
 
Goalkeeper Kylie Downs made three saves in the shutout victory, her fourth of the season.
 
Slippery Rock's opening goal of the game came off of an LHU own goal early in the 16th minute. SRU had a corner kick, which was played into the box by Tess Keeley. Lock Haven then attempted to clear the ball, but it would hit off of Bald Eagle defender and bounce into the goal.
 
In the 38th minute, a header by Demich was saved by LHU goalkeeper Bree Hilty, but Barackman quickly found the loose ball and placed her shot into the open net to give The Rock a commanding 2-0 lead heading into halftime.
 
Slippery Rock limited Lock Haven to just two shots on goal in the second half while Spence tacked on an additional insurance goal in the 78th minute en route to the 3-0 win. Julianna Esposito assisted on goal for her first assist of the year.
 
Demich's assist was her third of the season; she now has a team-best 13 points.
 
Saturday was Breast Cancer Awareness Day at Slippery Rock. Prior to the game each member of both teams who has had a family member that has been affected by breast cancer received a flower in their honor.
 
Slippery Rock returns to action 4 p.m. Tuesday against Seton Hill University at James Egli Field.