Reading, Pa.- The Penn St. Berks Women's Soccer team could not outlast Ursinus College falling by a score 3-2 in the high-scoring season opener on Friday, August 29.

The Nittany Lions got off to an outstanding start, striking in the fifth minute. After earning a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box, Devon Deery launched a shot that bounced off the wall and came directly back out to her. She made the most of the second chance, hammering a shot into the back of the net. Ursinus did not waste any time finding an answer, scoring in the 11^th minute even the score at one.

Berks continued to threaten the Bears, earning a corner kick opportunity in the 15^th minute. Deery took the corner, finding Amber Scritchfield on the fall side of the box and she knocked a shot toward the goal. Ashley Jocham redirected the shot at last moment, scoring to put Berks ahead 2-1. Ursinus once again answered, scoring in the 21^st minute to tie the game at two. After an early offensive explosion, both defenses settled in, and the score remained tied at two at the half.

The Nittany Lions struggled to maintain possession in the second half, but their defense rose the occasion, turning away multiple scoring chances by the Bears. Sophia Gonzalez made a career-high 16 saves, tied for the seventh most in a single game in program history. Ursinus finally broke through in the 79^th minute, taking a 3-2 lead. Berks tried to make one last push with Jocham ripping a shot on goal, but the Bears were able to save persevering the victory.
 
WHO'S NEXT
Berks will travel for the first time this fall, heading south to York College for a match on Sunday, August 31. The opening kick-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM.

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