Lions season ends with 1-0 loss to Mont Alto

Hazleton, Pa. - The Nittany Lions season came to a close on Saturday afternoon with Hazleton suffering a 1-0 defeat on their home turf to Penn State Mont Alto. Freshman goalkeeper Bryce Dalpiaz made eight saves on the day, limiting Mont Alto to the lone tally in the losing effort. 

Hazleton's defense battled all afternoon but an early score by Mont Alto left Hazleton trailing the entire game. A well played through ball by Mont Alto's Bryce Palamar opened up the net for Joao Pedro, tucking the ball past Dalpiaz for the go-ahead and eventual game-winning score. The Lions defense, led by senior Isaac Whitenight (Benton, Pa.) locked down the Mont Alto attack for the remaining 76 minutes of action, searching for an equalizer. Hazleton got a late opportunity in the 78th minute when sophomore Javain Baker broke through the Mont Alto defense, but Baker's shot sailed over the crossbar for a Mont Alto goal kick. 

Saturday's loss concludes the 2019 season for the Lions with a record of 1-10-2. With five games lost by just one goal and a pair of ties on the season, Hazleton comes up just shy of post-season berth in the Penn State University Athletic Conference and winning season despite the final record.