Box Score

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. – Mani Brueckner's (Valencia, Pa./Mars Area) first career goal 7:22 into the contest Friday night helped the Gannon women's soccer team continue the best start in school history with a 1-0 shutout at Bloomsburg.

Gannon, ranked fourth in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Atlantic regional rankings and listed among others receiving votes in the latest NSCAA national poll, remained undefeated at 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). It represents the best start in school history. No Lady Knight squad had won more than three consecutive matches at the beginning of a season prior to 2012.

Defense continues to be one of the main reasons for Gannon's early-season success. The Lady Knights have shut out their first five opponents, setting a new school record for consecutive shutouts. The previous record of four was set last season October 5-14. In all, Gannon has out-scored its opponents 13-0 during its first five matches.

Brueckner's tally early in the first half proved to be the only goal Gannon would need Friday night. After dishing out a team-high four assists during her first four collegiate matches, the true freshman found the back of the net for the first time in the eighth minute. She scored unassisted with a shot that found the upper, right corner of the net. The shot was Gannon's first of the night and only the second shot taken by either team.

The remainder of the contest turned out to be a defensive battle. Gannon held slight advantages in shot (10-7), corner kicks (4-3) and fouls (8-6). Sarah Geffel (Apollo, Pa./Kiski Area) needed only three saves to preserve the victory, turning away one scoring opportunity during the first half and two more in the final 45 minutes.

Gannon's 5-0 record includes three victories by scores of 1-0. It represents the most 1-0 wins in a season since the 2000 club won five matches by that score. Bloomsburg dropped to 2-3 overall and 0-1 in the PSAC with Friday's setback.

Head coach Colin Petersen's squad concludes a two-match road swing Saturday, September 15 at East Stroudsburg. The Warriors are ranked 10th in the latest NSCAA Atlantic regional rankings. Game time is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.