ERIE, Pa. — Mercyhurst University (0-1-0) fell to Oakland University (1-0-0) with a final score of 3-0 on Thursday at Saxon Stadium. The Lakers managed eight shots, with one on target.
The first period between Mercyhurst and Oakland ended scoreless, with both defenses holding firm. Sadie Lewis initiated the action with a shot in the first minute, that was deflected.
Caterina Cappiello put an attempt wide in the 27th minute before Oakland registered a pair of shots that were stopped by Adri Lika.
Oakland broke through in the second half, securing a 3-0 victory over Mercyhurst. The scoring opened at the 72nd minute with an unassisted goal by the Golden Grizzlies, followed by their last in the 73rd minute.
"For 70 minutes, we were playing some of our better soccer. We played in tight spaces and broke that press a number of times more patient in defense and managed to create a number of goalscoring opportunities." said head coach Dale White. "Unfortunately, when you don't put chances away, you risk allowing the other team to the chances. We were so pleased with so many actions so many areas of the game, disappointed for the girls that they couldn't take anything away from the game."
Lika played all 90 minutes in goal and recorded four saves, while Cappiello led the Lakers with two shots. Jenna Popowski added one shot, and Lewis recorded one shot that was on goal.
Up next, Mercyhurst returns home on Sunday, August 16 at 3 p.m. as the Lakers host Buffalo.
