Lady Lions escape with 2-1 victory at Mont Alto

Mont Alto, Pa. - Sophomores Lauren Degler (Oley, Pa.) and Katie Oldziejewski (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) bombarded the goalkeeper in Saturday afternoon's contest at Penn State Mont Alto. The duo combined for an astonishing 27 shots that led to a pair of scores giving Hazleton just enough scoring to escape Saturday's game with the win following a late score from the home team that threatened the positive outcome for Hazleton. Mont Alto gave chase, trailing by one in the final ten minutes of play, but the Lady Lions regained their composure and possession of the ball, running out the clock to capture a 2-1 victory over the fourth ranked squad in the Penn State University Athletic Conference.

1st Half

Hazleton held the advantage throughout the entire opening half, but failed to capitalize on a multitude of shot attempts. But the constant pummelling wore down the Mont Alto defense and in the waning minutes of the first half, Hazleton broke through to end the stalemate. Freshman Breann Fetterman (Mountain Top, Pa) drove the ball deep into the Mont Alto box, drawing the keeper and just as she did, spotted Degler in front of the net for the easy score giving Hazleton a one up lead at the break.

2nd Half

Degler carried that positive momentum into the second period and just four minutes in, came through for Hazleton again. The sophomore played the ball through the Mont Alto defense, finding Oldziejewski at the top of the six yard mark. Oldziejewski shot the ball with her left foot at the far post, besting the keeper to give Hazleton a 2-0 lead and room to maneuver. Hazleton had scored twice in a total of six minutes of play but that would be all as the offense cooled off once more.

After a 30 minute scoring drought, Mont Alto broke the ice with a score in the 80th minute, fostering hope for a late rally. Keeper Kennedy Guerin punted the ball deep downfield, finding Taylor Zeiders who dribbled past the Lady Lion defenders, exploiting the Hazleton keeper in a one on one opportunity. Zeiders would get one more chance on goal, but this time sophomore Julianne Ernest (Danville, Pa.) would come out on top with the save. Hazleton would regain command to run out the clock and secure the 2-1 victory.

Next Up

One match remains for the Lady Lions as they wrap up a highly successful inaugural season. Hazleton will return home and with a week's worth of practice, look to end the year with three straight wins when they take on Central Penn College, Saturday October 29th in Hazleton, Pa.