WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's women's soccer team picked up a key conference decision thanks to a slim 1-0 victory at United East foe Penn College on Tuesday night, October 7.


Olivia Sgrignioli scored the lone goal of the night in the 62nd minute which was assisted by Katelyn Monette to secure the victory for the Lions.


Diana Pon's precision on several corner kicks set the tone for Penn State Harrisburg (7-5-2, 4-0 United East), while Abigail Frew and Serenity Hill both tested the Wildcats' (10-1-2, 3-1 UEC) defense with shots on goal. Despite these attempts, Morgan Solano, the Wildcats goalkeeper, made key saves to maintain a level score.


The visitors continued to create opportunities throughout the first half, with Monette adding to the shot tally at the 32nd-minute mark. However, the Wildcats' defense held firm and the half concluded with the score deadlocked at 0-0.


In the second half, the Lions' maintained consistent offensive pressure which included shots by Frew and Pon, Frew's attempt going just high and Pon's shot saved by Solano.


The decisive moment of the contest came at the 63rd minute when Monette found the feet of Sgrigioli, who strategically put the ball past Solano in goal to give Penn State Harrisburg the 1-0 lead. Although ahead, the visitors' challenged Solano and the Wildcats' defense three more times with shots on frame by Katie Brown, Julia Hughes, and Monette.


The Lions' defense held firm until the final buzzer sounded, preventing any equalizing goals from the home team and the team preserved their 1-0 lead.


NOTABLES
- Sgrignioli's marker was her fourth of the season and was the game-winner for Penn State Harrisburg.
- Pon and Frew both had four attempts on goal. 
- Monette, Hill, and Hughes all had multiple shots to add to the visitor's offensive pressure throughout the match, while Monette also added the lone assist of the game.
- Alexis Valenta earned the shutout for the Lions, tallying a save on the night.
- Penn State Harrisburg outshot Penn College 17-2 and also topped the Wildcats in corner kicks 6-1.


WHO'S NEXT? 
The Lions are back home on Saturday, October 11 for more conference action against Penn State Berks at 6 p.m. The contest will serve as the program's Breast Cancer Awareness Game.


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