ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. - In a rematch of the last two United East Championship Games, the result remained the same, as Penn State Harrisburg's women's soccer team shut out conference foe St. Mary's (Md.) 2-0 on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 29.
Abigail Mahaffey and Olivia Sgrignioli each found the back of the net, while Julia Hughes assisted on both goals for Penn State Harrisburg (3-5-1, 2-0-0 United East). The midfield and defensive units were strong, limiting the Seahawks (2-6-3, 1-1-0 United East) to just one shot on goal which goalkeeper Sydney Mulka turned away.
The Lions struck early when Hughes looped a pass towards a driving Mahaffey and the latter smashed a skipping ball with her left foot past St. Mary's goalkeeper Breanna Brown and into the right corner of the net just eight minutes into the game.
The visitors doubled their advantage midway through the second half when Ella Shirk crossed a ball to Hughes who tapped it over to a streaking Sgrignioli who finished it off to the left side of goal from just inside the box with little more than 17 minutes left to play.
The defense was stout and did not surrender a shot on target until the 81st minute when Allie Petryszak put one on frame but Mulka made the stop and the back line did not allow another attempt the rest of the way.
NOTABLES
- Mahaffey's marker was her first game-winning goal of the season and her second overall.
- Sgrignioli's score was her second of the fall.
- Hughes added two assists to increase her team-leading points total to nine on the year.
- The shutout was the third of the season for Penn State Harrisburg.
- Mulka made one save in goal to preserve the clean sheet.
- The Lions had a 13-11 edge in total shots and a 6-1 advantage in shots on frame.
- Penn State Harrisburg finished with a 7-5 edge in corner kicks.
WHO'S NEXT?
The Lions continue conference play when they host United East opponent Cairn on Saturday afternoon.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.
