Women’s Soccer Shuts Out Bethany 2-0

Women’s Soccer Shuts Out Bethany 2-0

BETHANY, W.Va. – Penn State Altoona women's soccer got back in the win column on Friday night, posting a 2-0 shutout of non-conference opponent Bethany College at Bison Stadium.

The Lady Lions (2-1-1) were propelled by a pair of second half goals and a shutout performance by their goalkeeper in their first road game of the 2018 season.

Amanda Ayers (Sweet Valley, PA/Lake-Lehman) and Sadie McConnell (New Enterprise, PA/Northern Bedford) were the goal scorers for Penn State Altoona, with Ayers notching her team-leading third goal of the season and McConnell scoring her second tally of the fall.

In goal, Riley Barrett (Sunbury, PA/Shikellamy) made five saves to pick up her first collegiate win and shutout.

Penn State Altoona dodged an early scoring opportunity from Bethany (2-2) when Emily Vetri's shot deflected off of the crossbar. From that point on in the first half, Penn State Altoona had the lion's share of the scoring chances but was unable to find the back of the net.

The Lady Lions finally broke the scoreless tie at 46:21, when Ayers came up with a goal to put her team up 1-0.

Penn State Altoona continued to put shots on goal, and it paid off at 85:19 when McConnell scored an insurance goal for the Lady Lions, with the assist going to Sam Jones (Clifford Township, PA/Mountain View). The assist represents Jones' first collegiate point.

Barrett made three of her five saves in the second half to help the Lady Lions preserve the shutout victory.

Penn State Altoona finished the night with a 19-12 lead in total shots attempted, including a 9-5 edge in shots on goal. Bethany held a slight 3-2 lead in corner kicks.

Ayers posted game-highs with six shots attempted and four shots on goal. Haley Giedroc (Howard, PA/Bald Eagle) had three shots attempted, and Jones had two shots, both of which were on net.

Next up, Penn State Altoona women's soccer will host non-conference opponent Lycoming College next Friday, September 14 for a home game at Spring Run Stadium beginning at 6:00 p.m.