The Pitt-Greensburg women's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season Friday, falling 4-0 to Susquehanna at Sassafras Field. The loss moved the Bobcats to 1-1 on the young season.
Susquehanna applied pressure throughout the opening half and broke through in the 14th minute when Ella Briggs scored to give the River Hawks a 1-0 advantage. Nicole Freiler doubled the lead just over three minutes later off an assist from Amelia Kopp.
Pitt-Greensburg goalkeeper Kira Howcroft helped keep the Bobcats within striking distance, making saves on attempts from Briggs and Caroline Slunt later in the half. Susquehanna added to its lead in the 42nd minute when Brynn Bogle scored off an assist from Chloe Guerra, sending the River Hawks into halftime with a 3-0 advantage.
The River Hawks held the Bobcats without a shot over the opening 45 minutes and finished the half with 14 attempts. Howcroft made three saves in the opening period.
Susquehanna struck again just 2:03 into the second half, as Ava Billmeyer found the back of the net off an assist from Olivia St. Amand to make it 4-0. From there, however, the Bobcats kept the River Hawks off the scoreboard for the remainder of the contest.
Pitt-Greensburg began to generate opportunities of its own as the second half progressed. Ella Smith put the Bobcats' first shot on goal in the 70th minute, forcing Susquehanna goalkeeper Katie Henchy to make a save. Riley Gesinski followed with an attempt in the 78th minute before Smith registered another shot less than a minute later.
Howcroft played all 90 minutes in goal and finished with six saves. Smith led the Pitt-Greensburg attack with two shots, including the Bobcats' lone attempt on goal, while Gesinski added one shot.
Susquehanna finished with a 21-3 advantage in shots and a 10-1 edge in shots on goal. The River Hawks also held a 9-1 advantage in corner kicks. Despite the result, Pitt-Greensburg generated all three of its shots in the second half and held Susquehanna scoreless over the final 42-plus minutes.
Pitt-Greensburg will have a quick turnaround, returning to action tomorrow at 5 p.m. when the Bobcats travel to Dickinson.
