IUP Strikes Early in PSAC West Victory over Edinboro

IUP scored three times in the opening 35 minutes of the game and went on to a 3-1 victory over visiting Edinboro in a PSAC West game Saturday afternoon.

The Indians won for the 14th time this season against only two losses, tying the school record for wins first established in 1994.  IUP can break the record when it hosts Lock Haven in a key conference game on Wednesday at 4:00.

IUP is 6-2 in PSAC West play and moved into first place in the division standings with the win.  The Indians have 18 points, two more than Slippery Rock and Lock Haven, but IUP has played one more game either of those two teams.

The top three teams in each division earn playoff spots, with the number one seed in both divisions receiving first round byes on November 2 before hosting a semifinal game three days later.

The PSAC championship game will take place November 7 at the home of the top remaining Western Division team.

Erin Falce got IUP started against Edinboro, taking a feed from Crystal Heder and beating Trish Chilcott just 45 seconds into the game.  The Indians made it 2-0 at the 12 minute mark when Heder scored off an assist by Janel Paffie.

The Fighting Scots pulled to within 2-1 with 13 minutes left in the first half on a goal by Kara Cicacchini, assisted by Elise Falatach.  But IUP rebuilt a two-goal lead just three minutes later when Emily Thomas scored unassisted.

Falce and Heder, both sophomores, continued their climb up the IUP record book.  Falce scored her 40th career goal, two shy of Amy Peterson's mark, moved into a tie for the alltime lead in points with 94 and is third with 14 assists.

Heder is sixth in school history with 24 goals, tied for fourth with 13 assists and fifth with 61 points.

Becky Dillard and Sarah Daw each played one half in goal for IUP.  Dillard made four saves and allowed the one Edinboro tally while Daw had seven saves after intermission.  Chilcott registered nine saves for the Fighting Scots.