First half goal leads to Lady Lions loss vs. Penn State Schuylkill

Hazleton, Pa. - The Lady Lions (2-2) needed a second half score after surrendering the lead to Penn State Schuylkill (5-0, 3-0 PSUAC) , but despite controlling possession for the nearly the entire period, came up short of their third win of the season. Schuylkill was out-shot by the Lady Lions 8-15 though the visitors made the best of their attempts, and the lone goal held up by the final whistle to earn the win over Hazleton by the final score of 1-0.

1st Half

Sophomore Lauren Degler (Oley, Pa.) broke free off the opening kickoff and nearly gave Hazleton an early go ahead goal, but a tough luck bounce off the right post kept the score knotted at zero. As the players got into the flow of the game, Schuylkill pressed forward and nearly broke onto to the scoreboard if not for the swift feet of Hazleton keeper, sophomore Julianne Ernest (Danville, Pa.) who made a trio of nice saves in the early stages of play. But Ernest was not so fortunate in the 21st minute, as Schuylkill's Angelica Kaledas chased down a ball in the right corner and made a fine cross into the Hazleton box. With the Lady Lions out of position, Kaledas' pass found the sure foot of Coral Kreiser who handled the hard pass made an outstanding shot to the left post to put the visitors on top 1-0. 

2nd Half

Hazleton finished the first half with the final five shot attempts and carried that momentum into the final period. The Lady Lions played the majority of the second half in opponent territory and owned the advantage in time of possession, but each time the Lions found a crease in the defense, Hazleton shots failed to challenge the opposing keeper. Schuylkill packed in the defense and held on to run out the clock and escape the confines of Community Park with the win.

Top Performers

Kreiser and Kaledas combined for the only score of the afternoon for Schuylkill and both ended the game with two shots on goal to lead the visiting team. Keeper Alyssa Schadle saved a perfect 10 of 10 shots to earn the win.

Hazleton was led by Lauren Degler with four shots on goal followed by sophomore Katie Oldziejewskie (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) with three attempts on target. Ernest saved five of six Schuylkill shots on goal with several nice saves in the losing effort.

Next Up

Hazleton has the weekend off, then heads back on the road for a long distance contest with SUNY-ESF. Kickoff in Syracuse, Ny. scheduled to take place at 5:00 p.m.