Slippery Rock University women’s soccer extended its winning streak to seven games and maintained its hold on first place in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division with a 1-0 victory over California (Pa.) Saturday at Phillipsburg Soccer Facility.
After a quiet opening 15 minutes, Slippery Rock began generating scoring opportunities. Jilly Deivert recorded the first shot of the game, followed by Sophia Palermo, but California goalie Kaleigh Rexroad stood tall between the posts.
Deivert continued to pressure the California defense, recording another shot in the 27th minute, but Rexroad again denied the opportunity.
California recorded its first shot of the contest three minutes later when Macrina Robb sent an attempt just wide of the net.
Bailey McGee followed with two shots for The Rock, both failing to find the back of the net, before Rexroad stopped an attempt from Gianna Revetta. California’s Emma Ziskowski sent the final shot of the first half high over the net in the 44th minute.
Slippery Rock’s offense continued to apply pressure after halftime. Abby Paterline, Lilia Battalina and Deivert each recorded a shot within the first four minutes of the second half.
California’s Alexis Brown tested Slippery Rock goalkeeper Leah Allman in the 57th minute, but Allman made the save to preserve the scoreless tie.
With time winding down, The Rock finally broke through in the 87th minute. Miley Kariotis sent a cross from the left wing into the box, where Paterline headed the ball past Rexroad for the game-winning goal.
The goal was Paterline’s team-leading sixth of the season and her fifth game-winning goal, also a team high, marking the third time this season Slippery Rock has scored a game-winning goal in the final five minutes of a contest.
Slippery Rock finished with a commanding advantage in shots, outshooting California 16-4 while holding a 12-1 edge in shots on goal and a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks. Deivert led all players with six shots and four shots on goal, while Paterline recorded four shots. Allman finished with one save to earn her 45th career victory and 25th career shutout.
The Rock improved to 12-2-1 overall and 11-1-1 in the PSAC West, while Cal U fell to 1-10-4 overall and 1-10-3 in divisional play.
The Rock will return to James Egli Field for its final home game of the regular season on Wednesday, Oct. 21 against Gannon, a matchup that will have major implications for the top spot in the PSAC West.
