The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg women's soccer team battled Dickinson College on Saturday afternoon at Miller Memorial Field, falling 4-0 in a non-conference matchup.
The Bobcats (1-2) were kept in the contest throughout the opening half behind a strong performance in goal from Kira Howcroft, who faced consistent pressure from the Red Devils. Howcroft finished the afternoon with 16 saves, including 10 in the opening 45 minutes. Pitt-Greensburg entered halftime trailing just 1-0 despite Dickinson putting 16 shots on the board in the first half.
Pitt-Greensburg generated an early opportunity in the eighth minute when Ella Smith put a shot on frame, forcing Dickinson goalkeeper Pico Gray to make the save. The Bobcats later earned a pair of corner kicks in the opening half, but were unable to turn either opportunity into the equalizer.
Dickinson broke through in the 21st minute when Bridget Merkel scored to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage. Howcroft and the Bobcat defense responded by keeping the Red Devils off the scoreboard for the remainder of the half, with Howcroft making several stops before the break.
The Red Devils created separation early in the second half. Mckenna Gross scored in the 55th minute before Isabelle Bariso added another just 46 seconds later, extending Dickinson's advantage to 3-0. Izzy Chimento accounted for the final goal in the 79th minute.
Despite the deficit, Pitt-Greensburg continued to battle through the final whistle. Dionna Santia produced the Bobcats' second shot on goal with just 14 seconds remaining, forcing a save from Aralynn Patterson. Smith and Santia each finished with one shot on goal for Pitt-Greensburg.
Dickinson finished with a 34-2 advantage in shots and a 20-2 edge in shots on goal, while the Bobcats held the Red Devils to only three corner kicks. Pitt-Greensburg committed just two fouls in the contest, and no cards were issued.
The loss moves Pitt-Greensburg to 1-2 on the season, while Dickinson improves to 3-0.
The Bobcats remain on the road for their next contest as they travel to Washington and Jefferson Wednesday for a 4:30 kickoff.
