READING, Pa. – Devon Deery scored from near midfield in the 69th minute, and that goal held up for the Penn State Berks women's soccer team in its 1-0 victory over Alvernia on Wednesday night.
After a foul called on Alvernia near midfield, the free kick placement put the ball just over the midfield stripe. Deery hit a solid ball that took a strong bounce on the wet turf and beat Alvernia keeper Brynn Bock high to the corner.
The goal is Deery's first of her career, and it came at a most opportune time for the Nittany Lions. The game was fast and physical, but the limited scoring chances that came about for either side didn't come to fruition.
Alvernia outshot Berks, 11-9, but trailed in corner kicks, 7-1, to the Nittany Lions.
Berks controlled much of the action in the first half even though the shots were tied at four apiece. Berks had a scoring opportunity in the first minute of play when Autumn Levengood put a shot on goal that was saved by Alvernia keeper Brynn Bock.
Later in the half, Berks drew a foul that led to a free kick for Mary King that was within striking distance. Her shot was on line, but Bock again made the save.
Levengood led the Nittany Lions with three shots while King and Deery had two each.
Sophia Gonzalez made six saves in goal for Berks, who now moves on to their first conference game of the season on Saturday at Lancaster Bible at noon.
