CALIFORNIA, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University women's soccer team punched its ticket to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Tournament for the 14^th straight season by earning a 1-0 road win at California (Pa.) Saturday.
 
The Rock improved to 7-5-4 on the year with a 7-3-3 mark in PSAC West competition. The Vulcans suffered their ninth straight loss, falling to 3-12-2 overall and 2-10-1 in league play. While Slippery Rock guaranteed a spot in the PSAC Tournament, its seed is yet to be determined. Conference postseason play begins Nov. 12.
 
Sophia Palermo notched her third goal of the season (51') to give Slippery Rock its second win in three games and a sweep of the Vulcans on the year. Sydney Patrick added to her team-high tally of assists with her ninth helper of the year.
 
Leah Allman posted a seventh shutout on the season and the 13^th clean sheet of her career with two saves in net.
 
Olivia Yoder led The Rock's attack with two shots, one of which landed on frame. Palermo, Patrick, Morgan Sarver and Libby Zacharyasz all recorded one shot on goal.
 
SRU found some offensive rhythm early on with a pair of corners in the opening 1:17 that were turned aside by California keeper Emily Ouimet. Allman saw her only first-half action in net with a ninth-minute save. Four more corner kicks and a pair of shots would follow for The Rock, but SRU went into halftime with a 0-0 mark on the scoreboard.
 
The Rock opened up the second half with an offensive blitz, taking three shots in the opening 5:37 that included Palermo's 51^st-minute goal that was slotted through to Ouimet's right.
 
Slippery Rock did not take another shot in the game – but did not need to – as Allman saved Cal's only other shot in the 68^th minute.
 
SRU found a smattering of remaining possessions but came away with the shutout victory regardless. The Rock led overall in shots (6-2), shots on goal (5-2) and corner kicks (8-1). Kaylee Elwood and Cora Wilkins took Cal's two shots, while Ouimet made four saves in net for the Vulcans.
 
Slippery Rock will play its regular season finale 3 p.m. Nov. 6 against Edinboro at James Egli Field. The Rock defeated the Fighting Scots earlier in the year, 6-0.





To stay up to date with all that happens at The Rock, follow our official Athletic Communication accounts on 'X' (formerly Twitter, @Rock_Athletics), Facebook (RockAthletics) and Instagram (RockAthletics).