CALIFORNIA (Sept. 8) – The California University of Pennsylvania women's soccer team held a lead for over 40 minutes on Wednesday night before suffering a 2-1 loss to No. 14 IUP in Pennsylvania state Athletic Conference (PSAC) West play at the Phillipsburg Soccer Facility.

With the loss, the Vulcans drop to 0-2 this season with a 0-1 mark in divisional action. Meanwhile, the Crimson Hawks improve to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in divisional play.

The Vulcans took a 1 -0 lead in the 23rd minute when junior Juliana Cruz (Williamsport, Pa./Loyalsock Township) took a pass from classmate Lindsie Galbreath (Saxonburg, Pa./Knock) from the right side of the box and beat the goalie in the left corner of the net. Cal U was able to maintain the lead through the remainder of the first half while IUP attempted six shots and two corner kicks before the break.

The Crimson Hawks tied the score at the 65:15-mark on a goal from Hannah Scardina. IUP continued to control the pace with a pair of corner kicks before Scardina raced from nearly midfield with the ball to notch her second goal of the game in the 72nd minute to give IUP a 2-1 lead. The Vulcans nearly forced overtime in the final two minutes on a shot attempt by Cruz from the left side of the box.

Freshman Emily Ouimet (Berwick, Pa./Berwick) tallied five saves on 16 shot attempts while playing all 90 minutes.

IUP finished with a 16-8 shot advantage and an 8-4 edge in corner kicks, including four in the second half.

The Vulcans return to action on Saturday, Sept. 11, when they travel to face Clarion at 7 p.m.