Oct. 17, 2006

Stats

Slippery Rock, Pa. - The Mercyhurst women's soccer team showed the character of a champion Tuesday, a trait that could help the team survive for a long time in the postseason, pulling off a miraculous come-from-behind victory against a hard-nosed Slippery Rock squad 3-2 on the road.

Trailing 2-0 late, No. 16 Merchurst scored twice in the final five minutes of regulation and added an overtime goal to shock the hosts. Sarah Powell, Karla Vogt, and Lisa Casement blistered the Slippery Rock defense in succession to battle back from almost-certain defeat.

After Meghan McGrath and Mallory Neubert scored just minutes apart in the first half to put Slippery Rock ahead 2-0, the Lakers were unable to strike back. Despite a 24-13 advantage in shots, the Lakers struggled to make The Rock pay. All of that changed late though.

Powell gave the squad hope with her 14th goal of the season on an assist from Christine Rehnert in the 86th minute. She then assisted on the game-tying goal from freshman Karla Vogt, her second goal of the year and second in as many games. Finally, seniors Lisa Casement and Finella Annand made sure the Lakers finished off the comeback as Casement scored on Annand's assist in overtime to get the victory.

Slippery Rock entered the contest at 10-4-1 and had a win over No. 14 Indiana (Pa.) on its resume. The Rock had also lost a tough 2-1 contest to No. 2 West Chester earlier this year. But the Lakers, now 14-2 on the year, were able to overcome the deficit on the road and showed a championship determination.

Mercyhurst closes the season with three road conference games. If the Lakers win out, they will hold sole possession of the GLIAC Championship. That road begins Friday at Ashland at 1 p.m. and continues Sunday at Findlay at noon. Finally, Mercyhurst will play at rival Gannon October 28 at 7 p.m.