SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University women's soccer team found itself down three goals at halftime, but came away with a 3-3 tie against Gannon University thanks to an Ashley Rea hat trick Tuesday at James Egli Field.
 
In their final game of the regular season, The Rock moved to 12-3-3 overall and 11-2-3 within the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division. The result left the Golden Knights with a 12-3-2 overall record, adjusting to a 12-2-1 mark in the PSAC West.
 
With the draw, Slippery Rock secured the No. 3 seed in the PSAC Tournament, meaning that it will be on the road to face second-seeded Gannon in a first round game Nov. 6.
 
The result also extends Slippery Rock's unbeaten streak to nine games, its longest since 2009. Additionally, SRU has guaranteed itself an undefeated record at home, boasting a 7-0-2 mark. Slippery Rock's last undefeated home record came in 2007.
 
All three of Slippery Rock's goals in the contest came courtesy of Rea, earning her first career hat trick and the first of any Slippery Rock athlete since Nov. 9, 2019 when Kaitlyn Barackman scored three goals against Gannon.
 
Sydney Patrick claimed The Rock's lone assist, while Rea led the team on offense with seven shots, placing four on target. Skylar Munnikhuysen chipped in by taking five shots on the day, putting one on frame. Patrick concludes the regular season with a career-high 11 assists.
 
Goalkeeper Leah Allman recorded one save facing nine shots.
 
Gannon jumped out to the early lead by scoring on its first shot of the game, with the sixth minute goal scored by Grace Emanuel.
 
The Golden Knights controlled the remainder of the first half, capping off the effort with a goal from Brooklyn Respecki in the 37^th minute and a second goal on the day from Emanuel, in the 41^st minute.
 
Leading in shots, 7-6, Gannon rode what seemed to be a comfortable 3-0 advantage into halftime.
 
Rea found herself with some open room marching forward just 8:05 into the second half, dropping the hammer 20 yards out with a soaring shot over the head of Gannon goalkeeper Morgan Sinan, Rea's high school teammate at Seneca Valley.
 
Down 3-1, Rea snuck another past her former goalkeeper in the 62^nd minute to cut the deficit to 3-2, coming off a one-touch reception on a high-arching cross from Patrick.
 
The Rock continued to pile on pressure, finding a good opportunity in the 81^st minute, but seeing Olivia Yoder send the ball just wide of the goal.
 
Slippery Rock found itself with the golden opportunity in the 86^th minute when it was awarded a penalty kick. Rea's number was called to take it, and initially, Sinan found redemption by making the save. However, the ball deflected off Sinan, allowing Rea to charge in and take a second shot, burying the ball in the back of the net.
 
Amelya Bretz took a shot in the 86^th minute, but Slippery Rock's defense solidified the 3-3 scoreline with a block. Slippery Rock outshot Gannon in the second half, 11-3.
 
In total, The Rock led in shots (17-10) and shots on goal (6-5). Gannon wound up with a 4-1 tilt in corner kicks.
 
The start time of the PSAC Tournament game between The Rock and Golden Knights at McConnell Family Stadium on Nov. 6 will be announced later in the week.




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