The Rock’s fifth straight win came against Indiana University (Pa.) in the form of a shutout victory at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium during the Breast Cancer Awareness game Wednesday night.
With the win, The Rock ended up sweeping the season series and snapped a four-game winning streak against their biggest rival in a tension-filled Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West matchup.
Slippery Rock improves to 9-3 overall and bolsters a 9-1 record in PSAC West conference play. IUP dropped to 10-2-2 overall, while holding a 7-2-1 conference record. The Rock is now 6-1-3 against the Crimson Hawks in their last 10 matchups.
The Rock had multiple scoring chances in the first half thanks to Bailey McGee, but timely saves by IUP’s Sarah Gatz held the game to a stalemate heading into halftime.
The Rock came out swinging to start the second period. Libby Zacharyasz snagged the lone goal of the night in the 52nd minute, her second of the year, off a rebound from an earlier shot attempt by herself. Sophia Palmero initiated the attack and was credited with the assist, her sixth of the season.
IUP led the night with 14 shots to SRU’s 10, but the teams were even with only four shots on goal respectively. The Rock’s shots came from leader McGee with five, followed by Palmero with three, and Zacharyasz with two, one of which was the goal.
IUP’s leaders included Elle Smith (5), Taylor Serrano (4), and Ava Geishauser (2).
The Crimson Hawks also earned five corner kicks, but the staunch Rock defense prevented any damage from occurring.
Following the effort, McGee is sixth on the team in shots and seventh in shots on goal. With one more shot on goal, she will tie her final tally from last year’s injury-shortened season.
Palermo’s 10 points on 19 shots are both third-best marks for The Rock. The midfielder’s six assists are good for fourth-best in the PSAC as of Wednesday’s games.
Leah Allman commanded her position well and secured the team’s seventh shutout victory of the season thanks to her four saves. This effort increases her total saves on the year to 42, with a 79% save percentage in 12 games played.
The Rock looks to fight for the top spot in the PSAC West, trailing by one point to Gannon University with four games left. They extend their lead over third-place IUP to five points.
Slippery Rock is looking to sweep another season series and continue the winning streak at Pitt-Johnstown Saturday, Oct. 25 at noon.
