WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Penn College defeated St. Mary's College of Maryland, 1-0, in a United East Conference showdown on Saturday at UPMC Field. The Wildcats recorded the shutout behind six saves, while the Seahawks held 13-11 (6-5 on-goal) advantage in shots.
The Wildcats are 8-3-1 overall and 4-1-0 in conference play. The Seahawks are 4-7-3 overall and 3-2-0 in conference play. PCT overcame a conference semifinal defeat from a season ago against St. Mary's and moved into sole possession of second place in the United East standings after entering the day tied with the Seahawks.
How it happened: The Wildcats' main push came midway through the first half, when they kept the Seahawks under pressure from 13:13 to 27:11 but could not break through.
Megan Kurian and
Gianna Gamble put shots on goal during that stretch, and PCT earned four corner kicks from 20:34 to 27:11. The Seahawks had late chances, including a shot off the post and
Harley Oliphant's save at 43:06, and the half ended 0-0.
Kurian put the Wildcats in front in the 55th minute, scoring off
Mikayla Gordon's assist to make it 1-0. Kurian has scored at least one goal in five straight games.
Harley Oliphant helped preserve the margin with four saves in the second half, including stops at 58:20, 68:21, 71:00 and 85:42. The Wildcats held the Seahawks scoreless in the half, and the 1-0 score held through the end of play.
Inside the box: Kurian scored her 11th goal of the season and led the Wildcats with three shots, putting two on goal.
Mikayla Gordon recorded her second assist of the season while
Harley Oliphant made six saves for her fourth shutout of the year.
Breanna Brown made four saves in goal for the Seahawks.
Up next: Penn College visits Cedar Crest College on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m.
