ERIE, PA – The Gannon women's soccer fell short in its attempt to win its first PSAC Championship on Sunday afternoon.

The Golden Knights still could take solace from the fact that their second-place finish in the tournament was the highest in program history.

A fast and talented West Chester team struck for three first-half goal and held off an intense Gannon offensive attack in the second half as the Golden Rams claimed a 3-0 victory in the PSAC Championship Game at McConnell Family Stadium.

West Chester was an imposing team coming into the game. The Golden Rams were undefeated, ranked No. 2 in NCAA Division II, and ranked No. 1 in the Atlantic Region. They had allowed only six goals all season and they dominated their Friday semifinal on Friday, beating Mercyhurst 3-0 after scoring twice in the first 10 minutes.
 

Gannon was able to hold off West Chester's speed for the first 10 minutes, but 11:49 into the game, Alyson Cutter took a pass from Jacqueline Hug on the right side of the goal. She floated a beautiful shot over the head of Gannon goalie Kennedy Solymosi (Eastlake, Ohio/Lake Catholic) and into the back left corner of the goal.

PSAC East Freshman of the Year Faith Matter added a goal from the left, top corner of the box at the 27:14 mark off an assist from PSAC East Athlete of the Year Kaitlynn Haughey.

Kelli Collins capped the scoring when she attacked the right side and hit the net at the 43:40 mark. Matter had an assist on the play. West Chester outshot Gannon 8-2 in the first half, including 4-1 on shots on goal.

Gannon had trouble generating any scoring threats in the first half, but the Knights were much more aggressive in the second half. The Golden Knights outshot the Rams 8-6 in the final 45 minutes, but each time the Knights had a scoring opportunity, goalie Hayley McGee stepped up to make a big play.

McGee had to make only three saves, but she recorded her second consecutive shutout in the Final Four and showed why she was the PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Year.

Cutter was named MVP of the PSAC Tournament. She had a goal and an assist against Mercyhurst in addition to recording the first goal in the finals. Cutter was credited with the game-winning goal in both games.

Senior forward Sarah Fails (Girard, Pa./Villa Maria) made several thrilling runs through the WCU defense in the second half but could not generate a goal. She led Gannon with five shots, including two on goal. Fails was the PSAC West Athlete of the Year.

West Chester (19-0-1) will receive the automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. Gannon (14-3-4), which was ranked No. 5 in the Atlantic Region, has a good chance to make the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA Selection Show is Monday at 7 p.m.