ERIE, Pa. — The Slippery Rock University women's soccer team was defeated by Mercyhurst University in a 5-0 decision on the road Wednesday night.

The loss is Slippery Rock's first within the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division this season, leaving its record at 3-2 overall and 2-1 in PSAC West play. Mercyhurst improves to 4-1 overall and stays undefeated in conference play at 3-0.

Sydney Patrick was the only Rock player with two shots. Faith Diffenbacher, Bailey McGee, Skylar Munnikhuysen and Morgan Sarver each recorded one of the team's four shots on goal. Olivia Yoder, who played 33 minutes off the bench, also chipped in with a shot.

Leah Allman recorded one save in net before being relieved by Brianna Matteson, who played the final 23 minutes of the match.  

The opening 15 minutes of the match were very balanced with both teams putting up a pair of shots in a defensive showdown. Things changed quickly, though, when Mercyhurst's Corinne Morgan posted her third goal of the season in the 20^th minute.

Kara Van Horn doubled the Lakers' lead just three minutes later. Rebecka Habursky slotted in a third just moments before the end of the first half, giving Mercyhurst a 3-0 cushion.

The Lakers were still firing on all cylinders to open the second half, with Van Horn scoring just 2:09 into play. Chloe Kalina would grow the deficit to 5-0 in the 51^st minute.

The Rock followed up with one corner and three shots in the next 20 minutes, but lightning strikes in the area halted play in the 75^th minute, with the game eventually being ruled final.

The Rock return home 12 p.m. Saturday to play Indiana University (Pa.) at James Egli Field. SRU drew both matches with IUP a season ago by scores of 2-2 and 1-1. The program will be honoring the 2023 Ring of Honor class at halftime.



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