CLARION, Pa. - The Clarion women's soccer team battled hard against a nationally-ranked opponent, but ultimately fell 2-0 to 13th-ranked Kutztown at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.  The Golden Eagles (2-10, 1-10 PSAC) will be back in action on Tuesday, Oct. 9 when they host IUP for a 1 p.m. clash.

The Golden Bears struck for a pair of first-half goals, first on a shot by Emily Zwiercan just after the fifteen minute mark, followed by a corner kick headed in by Kristina Miller in the 30th minute. 

The Clarion offense had their best opportunities in the first half,  starting with an early shot off the foot of freshman Mackenzie Sheldon that went high over the cross bar. Sophomore Andie Hill had her own opportunity a few minutes later, after a Kutztown penalty in the box gave the Golden Eagles a penalty kick.  Hill drilled the ball into the lower-lefthand corner but goalkeeper Jenna Bracket sniffed it out and made the save. 

Freshman Alice Fernald also had a prime scoring opportunity, nearly finding the back of the net in the 20th minute.  Clarion had traffic in front of Bracken but the keeper was able to sort out the crowd and make the save.  

Junior goalkeeper Brigid Stermel got the start in net and was busy throughout the game, making 15 saves as the Golden Bears pressed aggressively for 90 minutes.  A number of the saves were of the dazzling variety, including a leaping jump to punch a Zwiercan shot over the net in the first half.