No. 14 Hazleton shutout by Brandywine in PSUAC showdown

Media, Pa. - Penn State Hazleton (6-3, 5-2 PSUAC) fell behind early and remained trailing throughout what was expected to be a hotly contested match with southern rival and defending champion Penn State Brandywine (4-6, 3-1 PSUAC). Despite winning the battle for shots on target, the Nittany Lions failed to finish at the net, losing to Brandywine by a score of 3-0. 

Bill Walleekendeh got Penn State Brandywine off to the start they wanted with two first half goals. Walleekendeh drove a shot past the Hazleton keeper from long distance to open the scoring 16 minutes into the game. In the 35th minute, Walleekendeh extended the Brandywine advantage on a misplayed ball by the Nittany Lion defense.  The forward received the free ball from, pitching it over sophomore goalkeeper Jimmy Fisher (Glen Allen, Va.) to give Brandywine a secure 2-0 lead at the end of the first half. 

The Nittany Lions came out firing in the second half. Hazleton notched five shots on goal including three from junior Kyle Venditti (Berwick, Pa.), but the Lions were unable to cut into the home team's lead. With under ten minutes remaining, Brandywine's Dan Tyler added an insurance goal to seal victory for Brandywine. 

Next up: Hazleton travels back to the Philadelphia suburbs on Tuesday, October 6 for a contest with United States Collegiate Athletic Association opponent Williamson College of the trades at 6:30 p.m.