ERIE, Pa. (Oct. 9) – The California University of Pennsylvania women's soccer team scored the opening goal on Wednesday afternoon before dropping a 4-1 contest at Mercyhurst in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West play.

With the loss, the Vulcans fall to 3-6 overall with a 2-6 mark after the opening round of divisional action. Meanwhile, the Lakers improve to 6-3-1 this season behind a 5-3 record in league play.

Cal U took a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute when freshman Juliana Cruz (Williamsport, Pa./Loyalsock Township) scored her first career goal off an assist by sophomore Rebecca Lyxell (Stockholm, Sweden/Norra Real). The Lakers later registered a corner kick in the 38th minute before tying the contest 20 seconds later on a goal by Beata Sundling. In the closing seconds of the first half, Mercyhurst took a 2-1 lead on a goal by Cristy Senskey.

Mercyhurst continued to apply pressure with three shots, including two on net, in the opening minutes of the second half. The Lakers eventually stretched the lead to 3-1 on a penalty kick by Maya Bauer at the 81:30-mark before scoring their final goal in the last 20 seconds of the contest.

The Lakers finished the game with 15-4 shot advantage and placed 10 attempts on goal. Mercyhurst also posted a 5-2 edge in corner kicks on Wednesday.

Sophomore goalkeeper Carly Gobbie (Glassport, Pa./South Allegheny) tallied six saves for the second-straight match.

Cal U begins the second round of PSAC West play on Saturday, Oct. 12, when it hosts IUP on Homecoming with play starting at 12 p.m.