CALIFORNIA, Pa. – One thing is certain: the Gannon University women's soccer team has been playing consistent, high-level soccer since the end of September. The Knights won a fourth consecutive match on Wednesday evening, 2-0 over Indiana (Pa.), and have now won seven of their last eight contests.
Taylor Lewis (Erie, Pa./Harbor Creek) opened the scoring in the 3
rd minute with her team-leading seventh goal of the season.
Kayla Bevacqua (Welland, Ontario/Notre Dame) added an insurance goal courtesy of a great pass from
Megan McCartney (Chicora, Pa./Karns City) in the 78
th minute, her third goal and McCartney's second assist of the 2021 fall campaign.
The Golden Knights (8-2-2 overall, 8-2-2 PSAC) have overtaken Slippery Rock (9-3-2 overall, 8-3-1 PSAC) in the PSAC West, moving into first place by a single point after The Rock dropped a 1-0 result to Mercyhurst in other Wednesday action. With today's loss, IUP falls to 7-4-1 overall and 6-4-1 in PSAC play.
Lewis' 3
rd-minute goal was created from a great ball from the backline, as
Emma Manczka (Fairview, Pa./McDowell) spied Taylor on the run and booted the ball forward. Lewis collected it, beat a defender, shielded off another, and deposited the ball into the net to get on the board in the 3
rd minute. The effort also helps Lewis keep pace with the league scoring leaders, trailing Slippery Rock's Rachel Edge by just two goals.
The game remained back-and-forth until the 78
th minute, when McCartney won possession with a great tackle in the midfield, surged forward, and delivered a quality ball to Bevacqua down the right wing. She did not hesitate and sent a screamer towards goal, beating the keeper and giving the Knights a 2-0 lead and some breathing room. Both teams did not lack for chances, with Gannon holding slight leads for the game in shots (11-8), shots on goal (8-6), and corner kicks (4-2).
The Golden Knights return home to the friendly confines of McConnell Family Stadium this Saturday, October 23 at 5:00 p.m. to take on Cal U (3-9 overall, 3-8 PSAC.) The two teams met back on Sept. 22 at Cal U, with Gannon earning a 2-0 victory to begin this impressive stretch of the season.