GROVE CITY, Pa. – Sami Pace (Erie, PA/Fort LeBoeuf) scored both of Penn State Behrend's goals to defeat Grove City 2-0 in non-conference women's soccer action on Tuesday afternoon.
The win marks the second straight game Pace has tallied a pair of goals for the Lions (6-1). She netted her first goal in the opening half and tacked on another in the second to get past the Wolverines (1-4-1) for the first time since 2009.
Taylor Troyan (Butler, PA/Butler) preserved the shut out with a season-high eight saves.
The offensive tandem of Alex Bilka (Cranberry Township, PA/Seneca Valley) and Pace gave Behrend the 1-0 edge in the 33rd minute. Bilka drew the defender to the outside, leaving a wide open Pace on the goalie's doorsteps to knock in the first goal.
Allyson Lonas (Johnstown, PA/Conemaugh Township) tallied a game-best four shots, settled with an assist to Pace on the goal that made it 2-0. Lonas took the direct kick and Pace headed it inside the right post and past Kristi Lathrop at the 55:46 mark.
Grove City blasted five more shots in the remaining 35 minutes, but Taylor came up with three saves to hold off the Wolverines comeback attempt. Rachel Weyand (Butler, PA/Butler) also made a team save by heading the ball away on the goal line in the 73rd minute.
The final shot count was in favor of Behrend, 15-10 along with the corner kick advantage, 5-1.
The Lions return to action on Saturday against Washington & Jefferson. Game time is 2 p.m.
