Wagner Lifts Behrend Past W&J

WASHINGTON, Pa. – The Penn State Behrend women's soccer team scored three unanswered goals to erase 2-0 deficit and defeat Washington & Jefferson 3-2 in non-conference action on Thursday night.

Valerie Wagner (Pittsburgh, PA/Montour) netted two goals in the win and Shelby Lloyd (Beaver, PA/Beaver Area) tallied the game winner in the 71^st minute off a corner kick by Tina Pendice (Monroeville, PA/Gateway) to help the Lions (3-3) even their record.  Heather Klimuszka (Rochester, NY/Greece Athena) made a season-best 11 saves, including five straight in the final five minutes.

The Presidents (2-4) scored back-to-back goals in the first half just minutes apart to appear in control of the game early on, but Behrend's perseverance led to the road victory.

Chrissy Marcius and Holly Shipley recorded one goal and an assist apiece for W&J. Marcius struck first on a pass from Shipley at 20:15 mark. Marcius returned the favor two minutes, 11 seconds later with the second goal of the game. Tatum Marucci and Marcius each got credit for the assist to Shipley in the 23^rd minute.

The Lions were able to get on the board before the end of the first half. Glennis Robash (Mars, PA/Mars) found Wagner at 31:07 to make it 2-1.

In the second half, Sam Vasy (North Huntingdon, PA/Norwin) helped Wagner this time to collect her second goal of the night at the 64:25 mark. Lindsey Steinsdoerfer (Pittsburgh, PA/North Hills) set up the next Behrend goal by taking a shot that was saved by Stephanie Saussol, resulting in a corner kick. Pendice connected with Lloyd off the corner kick for the game-winning goal at 70:26.

Klimuszka saved the game from going into overtime after making saves on all five of the Presidents' shots in their last chance effort with under five minutes to play.

Saussol made three saves on 10 shots for W&J.                

The Lions return to action on Saturday at Westminster. Game time is 3 p.m.