MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Olivia Sgrignioli recorded a hat trick and Penn State Harrisburg's women's soccer team punched its ticket to the United East Championship Game with a 3-0 shutout victory over Lancaster Bible in conference tournament semifinal action on Wednesday night, Nov. 4.
Sgrignioli netted three goals to lead the way, Abigail Mahaffey recorded a pair of assists, and Ella Shirk added a late helper. Sydney Mulka made four saves in goal to preserve the clean sheet.
Sgrignioli put the Lions (10-5-2) on the board first when she finished off a feed from Mahaffey in the 22nd minute. Penn State Harrisburg's defense set the tone early, as the Chargers (7-8-2) managed just one shot late in the first half that was stopped by Mulka.
Sgrignioli struck again early in the second half, when she buried her second goal of the night off another Mahaffey assist in the 52nd minute. The visitors got off two more shots on goal midway through the second half but Mulka proved game by turning away both attempts. Sgrignioli capped her big night by converting her third goal off a find from Shirk with 9:27 left to play, putting the bow on her hat trick and sending Penn State Harrisburg to the United East Championship Game for the third straight season.
NOTABLES
- The Lions outshot Lancaster Bible 9-5 overall and 9-4 in shots on frame.
- The Chargers earned five corner kicks, while Penn State Harrisburg finished with four.
- Sgrignioli's hat trick increased her team-leading goal total to 11 on the season.
- Mahaffey's pair of assists upped her points total to a team-leading 24 on the year.
- Shirk's helper was her fourth of the fall.
- Mulka made four saves to preserve Penn State Harrisburg's ninth shutout of the season.
- With the win, the Lions are set to make their third straight conference championship appearance.
WHO'S NEXT?
The Lion will host St. Mary's (Md.) for the third straight season in the United East Championship Game on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.
