HARRISBURG, Pa. - Eastern University women's soccer defeated PSU-Harrisburg 2-1 on Tuesday afternoon. Nicole Weenink netted the game winner in the 56th minute while Leah Lozzi and Adrianna Rowlands combined for 11 saves. 

"Some days you feel like you are playing from the start," said Head Coach Dan Mouw. "Today was actually one of those days after they scored off the opening kick."

PSU-Harrisburg (3-7) jumped out to an early lead netting the opening goal of the match 18 seconds in to take a 1-0 lead. The Nittany Lions kept the attack on the Eagles (5-5) tallying two shots in less than a 30-second span. The first whistled high, and Lozzi was there to deny to the second keeping the score at 1-0.

In the 22nd minute, Eastern tallied its first shot of the match when Ashley Zemeski fired a shot in of goal but saw her attempt denied by PSU-Harrisburg goalkeeper Kayla Arnold. However, in the 25th minute, Emily Cole netted her ninth goal of the season to tie the match at 1-1. Sia Kontanis played a great entry ball to Cole who ripped a shot from 25 yards out that snuck just under the bar.  

"We responded to the early goal and figured out a way to get a win on a day where a lot of breaks seemed to go against us, " continued Mouw. 

The Nittany Lions had two opportunities to pull ahead but were unable to capitalize as attempts in the 27th and 45th minute were denied by Lozzi. The score remained tied as the teams headed into the break. 

In the 56th minute, Weenink netted the game winner to give Eastern the 2-1 advantage. Lydia Peachey played a great cross into the box that Weenink beat the keeper to and headed the ball into the net.   

The Nittany Lions kept the pressure on the Eagles, but Rowlands and the defense stood tall and held the attack at bay. PSU-Harrisburg had two quality chances late in the half but were denied in both the 77th and 81st minutes by Rowlands to preserve the victory.   

Overall, PSU-Harrisburg outshot Eastern 22-4 placing 12 on net. Lozzi and Rowlands turned in a solid performance recording 11 saves on the afternoon making seven and four saves respectively. 

"Leah was active off her line to cut away their most dangerous chances and was in the right position for easy saves on their long shots," concluded Mouw. "Winning four in a row is a big step. We are growing in confidence and learning to finish games."

Eastern will open MAC Freedom play on October 1st when it hosts Manhattanville for a 12 p.m. match.