CARLISLE, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg women's soccer opened its 2024 campaign on Friday night, August 30, with a single goal early in the second half proving the difference in the team's 1-0 setback to Dickinson at Miller Memorial Field.

After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, Dickinson (1-0) grabbed a lead it wouldn't relinquish just 5:15 into the second half when Lila Brown headed home what proved to be the game-winning goal off an assist from Emily Dunkel in the 50th minute. 

As the second half wore on, the Lions (0-1) turned up the aggression, beginning with a shot from Julia Hughes that was turned away by Dickinson goalkeeper Sophia Kavulich in the 57th minute. With less than 20 minutes remaining, both Hughes and Peyton Huber had looks but missed wide. 

Following a Dickinson foul in the 82nd minute, Diana Pon put a free kick on target but the visitors were unable to capitalize when the ball skirted away from Kavulich for a brief moment after the initial stop. Penn State Harrisburg's last best opportunity came on a corner kick in the last five minutes but the ended without an equalizer and the Red Devils escaped their home turf with the slimmest of victories. 

NOTABLES

- Pon got off a team-best two shots on goal, while Hughes had a team-high five total attempts. 

- Dickinson outshot the Lions 21-13 overall. Both teams finished with five shots on target.

- The Devils earned 10 corner kicks, while Penn State Harrisburg had seven. 

- Sydney Mulka made four saves in goal for the Lions. 

WHO'S NEXT?

The Lions will look for their first win of the young season when they host Mary Washington for their home opener on Sunday night. 

STAY CONNECTED 

Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.