KUTZTOWN, Pa. – The Gannon women's soccer team shut down a high-powered West Chester team for 68 minutes in the PSAC Championship Game on Sunday.

When the Golden Rams finally scored midway through the second half, two veteran Gannon players quickly teamed up to tie the game.

However, after the Golden Rams' second go-ahead goal, the Golden Knights scrambled but could never get the equalizer.

West Chester defeated Gannon in the PSAC title game for the second consecutive year, beating the Golden Knights 2-1 at Kutztown University's Keystone Field.

In 2022, West Chester took an early lead in the title game and was in control most of the way in a 3-0 victory. The same two schools met Saturday with many of the same players on the field. This time, Gannon played the talented Rams even most of the way.

The game was scoreless at halftime, and Gannon had outshot WCU 7-5.

West Chester finally scored 23 minutes into the second half when Faith Matter made a nice pass to PSAC Tournament MVP Kaitlynn Haughey, who converted the goal.

Gannon didn't give up though. About eight minutes later, the combination of junior Gabby Boden (Butler, Pa./Butler) and senior Leah Bermudez (Milton, Ontario/Jean Vanier Catholic) connected on a corner kick, as they have done multiple times the past two seasons.

Boden sent the corner kick in front of the goal, and Bermudez sent a hitter into the goal for the equalizing goal.

West Chester then scored the decisive goal at the 81:58 mark thanks to another beautiful pass by Matter, the PSAC East Player of the Year. She found Victoria Pungello, who scored the game-winner.

The Golden Knights, who were seeking the first PSAC title in program history, were unable to get the tying goal thereafter.

Gannon outshot West Chester 16-13 and finished with a 9-8 edge in shots on goal. Freshman Brooklyn Respecki (McKean, Pa./General McLane) led GU with six shots, including four shots on goal. Fellow freshman Grace Emanuel (Erie, Pa./McDowell) had three shots.

Gannon goalie Morgan Sinan (Cranberry Twp., Pa./Seneca Valley) went the distance and made six saves.

The Knights will await their NCAA Division II playoff fate, which will be announced Monday at 6:30 p.m. during the NCAA Selection Show.