Slippery Rock won its fourth consecutive match against Mercyhurst University on its home field on Wednesday afternoon, improving its Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) record to 4-1, and an overall record to 5-2. The win continued the Rock’s defensive curtain against the Lakers, who have not allowed Mercyhurst to score a goal since 2010.
The scoring began with an own goal by a Laker defender in the 22nd minute. After sophomore Tess Keeley came off the bench for the Rock, she scored an unassisted goal in the 40th minute by running down the left side of the field and beating the keeper to the net.
Only a minute later, freshman Brooke Testa scored off a corner kick taken with an assist from Mariah Varner. The goal made her career second for Slippery Rock.
“Her sister plays at Mercyhurst, so it was cool to watch the matchup between them.” said Coach Griggs. “She did well in preseason scrimmages, and she brings a lot of new talent to the team.”
After halftime, Slippery Rock’s final goal came at the 52nd minute from junior forward Dara Demich, assisted in a joint effort from Tess Keeley and senior midfielder Crysta Ganter. Ganter had four shots during the game. Demich has now scored four goals and made one assist in the past four games. Demich’s six goals on the year tie her for third place in the PSAC for goals scored.
Slippery Rock was able to hold the advantage in shots, outshoot Mercyhurst 11-4.
Equally as impressive as Slippery Rock’s offensive front was its defensive wall. Freshman keeper Charlotte Elrod recorded a shutout and had three saves against Mercyhurst. The Lakers were not allowed any shots in the last 44 minutes of the game- almost the entirety of the second half.
“Our defense just competed; they organized and communicated their way through Mercyhurst’s offense, who has some very good players.” Coach Griggs commented.
Slippery Rock’s next match will take place at Mansfield University on Saturday at 1:30pm.
