WEST CHESTER, Pa. (Oct. 6) – The Vulcans fell by a 3-0 count at preseason league favorite and No. 7 West Chester on Saturday afternoon in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) action.
 
With the loss, the California University of Pennsylvania women's soccer team drops to 1-10-1 overall behind a 0-10-1 mark in league play. Meanwhile, the Golden Rams improve to 8-2-1 this season with a 7-2-1 record in conference action.
 
In the first half, both teams traded possession in the opening seven minutes before sophomore goalkeeper Gianna Sinatra (Moon Twp., Pa./Moon) registered three saves in just over two minutes. The Golden Rams broke through at the 12:26-mark after beating the defender junior Madison Baxter scored a goal with assist recorded by senior Kaitlyn McFadden to take a 1-0 advantage. West Chester tallied four shots and a corner kick, but the Vulcan defense managed to post two saves and stop the offensive pressure. In the 45th minute, senior Nikki Zaso extended the lead for the Golden Rams with an assist registered by teammate Julia Kirkpatick, 2-0. West Chester held the lead into halftime after totaling seven shots on goal.
 
The Golden Rams attempted to add to their lead 48 seconds into the second half, but Sinatra came up with another save. In the 53rd minute, sophomore Briana Bracero (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township) saw an attempt on goal saved by the West Chester goalkeeper. At the 69:52-mark, the Golden Rams nearly added to their lead, but a team save by the Vulcan defense was cleared from the goal. West Chester posted an insurance goal in the 74th minute on a score by Kirkpatrick with assist tallied by freshman Dani Cady to take a 3-0 lead.
 
Sinatra matched her career high with eight saves in 90 minutes of play, while starting in her consecutive match.
 
West Chester attempted at least six shots in each half and held a 7-0 edge in corner kicks.
 
The Vulcans return to action on Friday, Oct. 12, when they host Shippensburg in PSAC play at 4 p.m.