SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University women's soccer team kept sole possession of first place in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division standings after a back-and-forth draw, 2-2, against Gannon University Wednesday at James Egli Field.
With the result, Slippery Rock moved to 12-2-2 overall with an 11-1-2 mark inside the division. SRU also extended its unbeaten streak to eight games, which is tied for the ninth highest in program history.
The Golden Knights move to 11-2-3 on the season overall and 10-2-2 in the PSAC West with the draw.
Slippery Rock retained its three-point advantage in the PSAC West standings with the draw. With two games left in the regular season, Slippery Rock also holds a +6 goal differential above Gannon at the moment, in the case that both teams tie atop the division at the end of the season.
Seniors
Bailey McGee and
Sophia Palermo found the back of the net for Slippery Rock, with
Gianna Revetta,
Libby Earley and
Abby Paterline each earned one assist.
Palermo (2) was the only Rock player to take multiple shots, while McGee,
Jilly Deivert and
Lindsey Price each took one shot for The Rock.
Leah Allman made three saves in the draw for SRU.
After a scoreless first half, Slippery Rock opened the scoring just 72 seconds into the second half. Earley drove the ball down the right wing before sending a pass to Revetta. The sophomore controlled the ball and sent a pass into the middle that found the foot of McGee and into the back of the net, giving SRU a 1-0 lead.
The Rock were able to hold Gannon scoreless for the next 25 minutes, but a turnover just outside the box led to Grace Emanuel's fifth goal of the season on an assist from Brooklyn Respecki, tying the game, 1-1, in the 72
nd minute.
SRU re-took the lead on an unassuming cross that came in from the right side from Palermo off a pass from Paterline, but the ball found its way by the Gannon goalkeeper to give The Rock a 2-1 lead in the 79
th minute.
Gannon turned up the pressure in the final 10 minutes and was able to find an equalizer off an olympico from Respecki.
In the need of a crucial three points, Gannon pushed for a game-winner with the game winding down. This led to an opening in the final seconds, that Deivert put off the right post from outside the box and the goalkeeper off her line with three seconds remaining.
The Rock ended the game with an advantage in saves (4-0), while Gannon ended with more shots (12-5) and corner kicks (11-4).
Slippery Rock is back in action with another chance to clinch the PSAC West title with a victory and a Gannon tie/loss Saturday. The Rock will take on Lock Haven 4 p.m. Saturday at Hubert Jack Stadium. Earlier this season, Slippery Rock defeated Lock Haven, 6-1, Aug. 30 at James Egli Field.
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