ERIE, PA – The Mercyhurst women's soccer team battled the number one ranked team in the nation all the way till the final horn Tuesday afternoon at Mercyhurst Soccer Field. The Golden Knights had to score two second half goals to defeat the Lakers, 2-1. Mercyhurst falls to 6-7-2 overall and 5-7-2 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play, while Gannon remains unbeaten at 15-0-0, 13-0-0 PSAC.

Rebekah Reynolds got Mercyhurst on the board first, just six minutes into the opening half. The Ballymena, Northern Ireland native struck a beautiful free kick that bent perfectly into the upper left corner out of Gannon goalkeeper Shannon Differ's reach. It was Reynolds first career goal as a Laker.

The Laker defense would hold the Golden Knights scoreless through the first 45 minutes of play as they took the lead into the locker room. It is only the second time all year Gannon has trailed at the half (October 3 @ Shippensburg). Mercyhurst outshot Gannon, 12-8, and held the corner advantage, 5-4, in the first half.

Mercyhurst's stellar defensive play continued through the first 20 minutes of the second half. Gannon's offensive power would eventually wear down the Lakers as the PSAC leading goal scorer Mani Brueckner dribbled past the defense and blasted a shot that beat Ellie McDougall left side. The goal was her 14th of the season and tied the game at one with 20 minutes remaining.

Gannon would take the lead at the 81:32 mark when Sammy Valloud headed in a Kaitlyn Kissell cross pass that squeaked past McDougall.

The Golden Knights ended the contest holding the shots advantage, 18-13, and were rewarded one more corner than the Lakers, 7-6.

McDougall recorded nine saves as she falls to 4-2 in net.

Mercyhurst will travel to take on Kutztown Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. from Keystone Field.