WEST CHESTER, Pa.- The 15
th-ranked and top-seeded West Chester University women's soccer team (13-2-4) was back in action on Friday afternoon in the PSAC Semifinals against Eastern Division rival Shepherd (10-1-6), falling to the upset-minded Rams by a 3-0 final.
West Chester dominated the first half in terms of shots, ending the half with a 10-3 lead in shots and a 6-1 lead in shots on goal, but Hannah Wilt was sharp, making six early saves to keep things scoreless heading into the halftime break.
Just over five minutes in the second half, Josie Beezel found just enough space inside the West Chester box to finish off a pass from Reagan Ackerman, which gave the visiting Rams a 1-0 lead with just under 40 minutes to play.
West Chester continued applying pressure from this point and had a chance by
Victoria Pungello (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial), which was saved in the 64
th minute, before a good chance from four-time All-Conference honoree
Faith Matter (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) was blocked in the 72
nd minute.
West Chester continued to pressure for an equalizer, but with this increased offensive pressure came opportunities for Shepherd as the Rams added two goals late, as Anaya Lozano scored off an assist from Ackerman in the 79
th minute, before Olivia Gardner added a late goal off an assist from Adrianna Morales as the Rams advanced past West Chester with a 3-0 semifinal victory.
Despite the three-goal loss, West Chester ended the game with a 19-6 lead in shots and a 10-4 lead in shots on goal, while Shepherd finished the match with a slim 5-4 lead in corners.
Wilt was excellent in goal for Shepherd, making 10 saves, while Keen made one in the semifinal loss.
Up Next
West Chester will await the NCAA Tournament selection show on Monday night to learn where and when its 2025 season will continue, while Shepherd advances to face Kutztown in the PSAC Championship game on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. Shepherd will be going for its second consecutive PSAC Tournament title in the Championship game on Sunday afternoon, while Kutztown remains in search of its first conference crown.
