ST. DAVIDS, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's women's soccer's team settled to a 1-1 draw with Eastern on Wednesday night, September 24 at Olson Field.


The Lions (3-4-2) took an early lead with a first-half goal by Katelyn Monette, however Eastern (6-0-2) equalized in the second half thanks to a marker by Megan Burkholder. Despite outshooting the Eagles 14-2, Penn State Harrisburg's attempts were thwarted, resulting in a stalemate.


The first half began with the visitors establishing their presence early on and often. Their offensive efforts culminated in a critical goal by Monette in the 37th minute, assisted by Katie Brown. A foul by the Eagles allowed the Lions to have a free kick by Brown which found the feet of Monette who settled it and sent the ball outside the reach of Eastern goalkeeper Faith Leake and gave Penn State Harrisburg the narrow 1-0 lead going into halftime.


Penn State Harrisburg continued to press forward in the second half, as Mackenzie Mowery launched an early shot that went just wide of the goal. Ava Fox also tested Leake in the 54th minute, but her attempt was saved, maintaining the scoreline. Despite sustained pressure, including multiple corner kicks, Eastern broke through with a goal by Burkholder in the 68th minute.


The visitors responded with renewed efforts, as Julia Hughes had a shot blocked shortly after Burkholder's marker. Diana Pon and Monette both took late shots, but they were unable to give the Lions the edge before the end of the match and the contest concluded in a 1-1 deadlock.


NOTABLES
- Monette's goal was her first of the season and the 13th of her career with the Lions.
- Brown dished out the lone assist of the night for Penn State Harrisburg.
- Mowery led the visitors with four total shots, while Monette attempted three of her own.
- Hughes and Ava Myers both tallied two attempts.
- Fox, Pon, and Serenity Hill all had a shot each on the evening. 
- Goalkeeper Alli Dietz played all 90 minutes for the Lions, tallying one save. 


WHO'S NEXT?
Penn State Harrisburg is back in action on Saturday afternoon, September 27 against Keystone at the Multipurpose Turf Field. The contest will serve as the program's Elizabethtown United Bluebirds 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.