ERIE, Pa. – Mercyhurst women's soccer's Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference playoff chances took a big hit after a 2-1 loss to Kutztown at Mercyhurst soccer field on Saturday afternoon.

Both teams had to deal with windy conditions throughout the game that made it difficult to generate chances. Mercyhurst did have the advantage in the first half with the wind blowing behind them, making it easier to keep the ball on the offensive side of the pitch.

The Lakers received a golden opportunity with 11:15 left in the first half when Kutztown was guilty of a handball in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick for Mercyhurst. Lydia Lopez lined up the try and beat Golden Bear's keeper Jenna Bracken to the bottom right corner. Lopez's first goal of the season gave Mercyhurst the 1-0 advantage, a lead they would hold going into halftime.

Kutztown immediately took advantage of the field position swap in the second half with the wind at their back. Erica Monte Carlo lined up a free kick from the left side of the field and curled it towards the goal where Katie Miller was waiting five yards out from the goal. She headed the ball in and knotted the game at one apiece with 39:42 left to play in the half.

Shortly thereafter, Kutztown went on the attack again to score the go-ahead goal. Maddie Mohr ripped a shot that hit the post and shot back out to recently-subbed in Cara Griffin. Griffin put the ball in the wide open net and sprung the Golden Bears into the lead 2-1, a lead they would hold until the final whistle.

The Lakers (7-7-2, 6-7-2) now sit in tenth place in the PSAC with the top eight qualifying for postseason play. Mercyhurst plays its second-to-last game of the regular season against Daemen College on Oct. 26 at 3:30 at home.