ERIE, Pa. – The Gannon University women's soccer team's mix of youth and experience continues to lead to wins, particularly in the past four games.

Freshman forward Brooklyn Respecki (McKean, Pa./General McLane) scored both goals and upperclassmen led the defense, helping the Golden Knights to a 2-0 victory over Seton Hill on Saturday at McConnell Family Stadium.

The victory was Gannon's fourth in a row as the Knights improved to 6-2-1 overall and 6-1-0 in the PSAC West. Gannon is in second place in the Western Division with 18 points in the standings, three points behind  first-place Mercyhurst (7-0-0).

Seton Hill dropped to 2-5-1 overall and 1-5-1 in the PSAC West.

Freshmen continue to be a big story for Gannon. Respecki accounted for both goals on Saturday to give her a team-high seven goals this season. In Gannon's most recent win, a 4-2 victory over third-place
Slippery Rock, freshman midfielder Grace Emanuel (Erie, Pa./McDowell) had a hat trick, and Respecki had the other goal.

On Saturday afternoon, Respecki struck just 13:44 in the game. After Emanuel stole the ball and fed junior midfielder Gabby Boden (Butler, Pa./Butler) on the left side, Boden worked the ball to the left of the box and floated a pass toward the right post. Respecki tipped the ball into the right side with her left foot.

The assist went to Boden, who is the reigning PSAC West Women's Soccer Athlete of the Week.

The score remained 1-0 going into halftime.

About 15 minutes into the second half, another Emanuel steal in the middle of the field set up a run by Respecki. She gathered the ball at the 15-yard line, cut to her left to leave behind a defender, and then blasted a shot left-footed shot to the right side of the goal, past the diving goalie.

Gannon's defense was led by graduate student Leah Bermudez (Milton, Ontario/Jean Vanier Catholic), senior Gretchen Oslick (Freedom, Pa./Ambridge), freshman Hannah Shepard (Erie, Pa./McDowell), and senior goalie Morgan Sinan (Cranberry Twp., Pa./Seneca Valley). However, they were not alone as the Golden Knights played hustling defense throughout the game and dominated the time of possession.

For the third consecutive game, Gannon also won a lopsided battle in shots. The Golden Knights outshot the Griffins 27-2, including 15-1 in shots on goal. In wins over Seton Hill, Slippery Rock and California,

Gannon has outshot its opponents a collective 93-13, including 45-6 in shots on goal.

Gannon will now prepare to visit Indiana (Pa.) on Wednesday at 4 p.m.