Slippery Rock, Pa. – The Millersville women's soccer team used a first half goal and outstanding defense throughout to grasp onto a 1-0 win over Slippery Rock University on Friday afternoon at Egli Field. The victory not only improved the Marauders record to 1-2 on the season and 1-1 in PSAC play, but it also represented head coach
Matt Procopio's first victory.
The Marauders opened the game dominating possession and tallied the first shot on goal at the 3:03 mark.
Kristin Lepley gained outstanding positioning within the box and unleashed a rising shot that was blocked by a Slippery Rock defender. The Rock would respond with a counter attack that saw Dara Demich and Haley Burkholder tally a shot all within the first four minutes of the first half.
Midway through the fifth minute, Lepley used her pace up the left side of the field where she fired the ball into the back of the net past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Charlotte Elrod giving the Marauders a 1-0 lead. The lone tally proved to be the difference as several timely clears by Marauder defenders
Taylor Sprenkle,
Emily Purcell,
Savannah Hall,
Madison Kieffer,
Meagan Newmister and
Stephanie Clark held The Rock off the board for the match.
Slippery Rock's best chance for the equalizer came early in the second half when a shot by Dara Demich hit the post. However, right after the shot, Millersville was called for a foul within the box which led to a Demich penalty kick.
Samantha Wolfe was up for the task, guessing correctly and diving to the left to block the attempt.
The Rock would finish the match pressuring the Millersville defense with six more shots, but the Marauders were able defend its way to the narrow victory.
For the match, Slippery Rock (1-2, 0-1 PSAC) outshot the Marauders 17-4 and held a 6-0 edge in corner kicks. However, goalkeeper
Samantha Wolfe was outstanding in net, saving a game-high seven shots.
Kristin Lepley tallied a team-high three shots.
Millersville will remain out in PSAC West territory for a match on Saturday, Sept. 12 against the Edinboro Fighting Scots. Edinboro enters the match sporting a perfect 3-0 overall record and are 2-0 in PSAC action. First touch is slated for 5 p.m.
