CLARION, Pa. --- The Golden Eagles soccer team fell to nationally ranked IUP in a low-scoring affair, losing 2-0 in a match that was closer than the score indicated. Clarion was strong in the first half, holding the Crimson Hawks scoreless facing barrage of first-half shots, but they could not penetrate IUP's top-ranked scoring defense and were held to just nine shots, five on goal.
 
The first half began with an assault on the net, featuring six shots in the first 12 minutes. Ciara DiMauro fired a shot from outside the attacking box, but it was directed straight at IUP goalkeeper Makenna Yarrow. Sherk was outstanding in the first half, saving all four shots on goals to keep her sheet clean, including a close-range attempt by Scardina off of a corner kick that was corralled by the diving Sherk.
 
Clarion closed the first half with a pair of shots, the first coming with just 2:33 left. Marisa Colondrillo forced a turnover and raced down the pitch, firing a shot that sailed over the net. Nicole Brown also took a shot from well outside the box with 95 seconds remaining, which Yarrow caught just before a hard-charging Paige Brewer could attempt a rebound attempt.
 
The Crimson Hawks broke onto the scoresheet two minutes into the second half when Elle Smith sliced through multiple Clarion defenders with a shot that hit the top crossbar and ricocheted into the net. IUP added to their lead at the 27:34 mark of the second period, establishing a firm 2-0 advantage after Avery Clanton's shot was deflected into the net off a Clarion defender.
 
Clarion managed three more shots on goal throughout the remainder of the game from Brown, Evelyn Cook, and a pair from freshman Lexi Coull, all of which were stopped by Yarrow. Defenders Savannah Houk and Reese Aquilio played the full 90 minutes, contributing significantly to a strong defensive effort.
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