Box Score
Video Interviews

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Kara Mullins scored a goal and handed out an assist to lead the Slippery Rock University women's soccer team to a 2-1 win over Mercyhurst in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference match Saturday at Thompson Stadium.

Mullins and Shelby Ward each found the back of the net for The Rock (9-3-2, 7-3-2 PSAC), while Alison Hindley and Danielle Turner each joined Mullins with one assist.

The win means a crucial three points for SRU in the PSAC standings, while the Lakers' (6-8-1, 3-7-1 PSAC) chances at making the playoffs took a hit. Slippery Rock moves into third in the conference standings with 23 points, while Mercyhurst drops to 12th in the standings with 10 points. The top eight teams at the end of the regular season will qualify for the playoffs.

Saturday's game was all Slippery Rock from the start with The Rock posting a 13-2 advantage in shots in the first period and holding Mercyhurst without a single shot on target. Despite the definitive advantage in the first half, SRU could not find the back of the net with Laker keeper Rachel Griepsma recording eight saves and defender Renai Medeiros recording a defensive save.

Ward opened the scoring in the 50th minute after converting a double assist from Mullins and Hindley. Mullins took a pass from Hindley and dribbled around the goalkeeper and found Ward in front of an empty net for the easy score.

The Rock increased its lead to 2-0 in the 82nd minute when Turner sent a low crossing pass into the box from the left side and Mullins deflected the ball into the lower right corner of the net.

The Lakers battled back when Perrin Kern scored an awkward goal in the 83rd minute, firing a high shot from 25 yards out that deflected off Rock keeper Dana O'Neill, then the crossbar, before dropping in behind the goal line.

SRU regained control the final seven minutes and held the Lakers without a scoring chance.

The Rock finished the game with advantages of 17-6 in total shots, 11-2 in shots on goal and 7-2 in corner kicks.

O'Neill recorded one save in the winning effort. Gripsma finished with eight saves, all in the first half.

Slippery Rock will play one of its final two conference games this Tuesday when Indiana (Pa.) travels to Thompson Stadium for a 2:30 p.m. match.