ERIE, Pa. – The Gannon women's soccer team attempted to make a relentless comeback when it fell behind by two goals in the second half on Saturday night, but it never could get the equalizer.

The Golden Knights lost 2-1 to their archrival Mercyhurst at Saxon Stadium as Gannon was unable to gain the season split against the Lakers.

Gannon had won eight games in a row since losing to Mercyhurst 4-2 on Sept. 16 at McConnell Family Stadium. After Saturday's loss, Gannon dropped to 10-3-1 overall and 10-2 in the PSAC West. First-place Mercyhurst improved to 13-2 overall and 12-1 in the Western Division.

The teams played a scoreless first half, and the score remained 0-0 until Mercyhurst's Corinne Morgan scored off an assist from Karah Van Horn at the 71:41 mark.

Less than 7 minutes later, Van Horn struck to make it 2-0.

Mercyhurst held a 2-0 lead until Gannon's Ella Fadale (Brockport, N.Y./Brockport) scored off a corner kick by Gabby Boden (Butler, Pa./Butler), who sent the pass from the left corner across the goal to the right side, where Fadale connected for the goal.

Gannon kept the pressure on throughout the final five minutes and had several scoring opportunities, but each time the Lakers' back line players or goalie Maddie Elbro were able to turn GU away.

GU players twice hit the crossbar with shots in the game but both times the ball ricocheted away from the goal.

Gannon will return to action on Wednesday at 3 p.m. when it hosts Clarion at McConnell Family Stadium.