Mercyhurst Edges IUP in Battle of NSCAA Top 25 Teams

Boxscore

On a day in which both teams entered the national Top 25 for the first time this season, Mercyhurst posted a 2-1 victory over IUP on a rainy day in Erie.

In the National Soccer Coaches Association of America weekly poll, which was released earlier Tuesday, IUP (4-3) was ranked 22nd while Mercyhurst (6-1) came in at 25th.

The game was tied 1-1 at halftime after the two teams scored in a span of under four minutes.  Lisa Casement put the Lakers ahead with 19:42 expired in the game.

Becky Dillard (picture) prevented an earlier Mercyhurst scoring opportunity when she stopped a penalty shot by Finella Annand just 12:23 into the game.

IUP freshman Elysse Dluhos evened matters at the 23:28 mark when she scored his first collegiate goal off an assist by Erin Falce, her team-leading fourth of the season.

The game stayed tied until Annand won it for Mercyhurst with 19:51 remaining. 

Dillard finished with a total of six saves.  Rebecca Heintzman made four stops for the Lakers.  Mercyhurst held a narrow 13-12 advantage in shots.

IUP returns to PSAC West play on Saturday with a 4 p.m. game at Lock Haven. 

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