The Slippery Rock women’s soccer team faced off against Seton Hill University Wednesday in the final game of the regular season, closing out the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West play. In a decisive game that determined both playoff seeding and who would top the PSAC West division, Slippery Rock prevailed with a score of 3-1.
The Griffins struck first, scoring a goal to the back right of the net by Kilee Coatney, but The Rock did not let this deter them. Momentum soon shifted, and the game was in their favor.
Leah Allman, star goalie for The Rock, said, “On the communication side, I think we did very well communicating marks, because they are very dynamic…we did a very good job communicating up in our midfielders and backs.”
In the 30th minute, the White and Green found the back of the net for the first time on a goal by Abby Paterline. This was followed quickly by another goal in the 33rd minute by Libby Zacharyasz, giving The Rock a 2-1 lead and a very dominant finish heading into the second half.
Allman praised the team’s finishing ability, noting, “Putting those goals away, I was really impressed with us.”
The game slowed down, and Slippery Rock continued to overpower the Griffins with an offensive masterclass. The nail in the coffin came in the 67th minute with a long-distance goal by Lindsey Price, which would be the final goal of the game.
This game was no regular win; it also clinched the PSAC West title for The Rock. When asked about the importance of this win headed into the PSAC playoffs, Allman praised the team.
“I feel really good about this team. I think, as long as we stay focused and keep rolling, we can win it all,” she said.
The team will continue their push for a PSAC Tournament Championship on Tuesday, November 11, where they will begin their quarterfinal play at James Egli Field.
