CLARION, Pa. — Clarion (1-0-0, 0-0-0) rallied from two lengthy lightning delays and an early deficit, with the Golden Eagles kicking off the 2026 season with a 2-1 victory over Ursuline (0-1-0, 0-0-0) on Thursday at Memorial Stadium. Clarion scored both of its goals in the second half.
Ciara DiMauro moved into sole possession of second place on the program's career goals list with the 15th tally of her career, tying the game in the 58th minute on a penalty kick. Early in the second half
Alyssa Aquilio drew contact near the goal, going down on a hard foul at the end of the box. DiMauro was selected for the penalty kick and she delivered, stuffing one in the lower left corner to even up the game at 1-1.
The go-ahead goal came in the 72nd minute, with
Paige Griest converting on a corner kick attempt by
Carmella Simco. Simco's lob curved around the defense and ended up contacting Griest, who deflected it toward the net past the keeper for the 2-1 advantage.
The matchup began with Clarion showing offensive intent, as Aquilio and Shattahi both tested Ursuline's goalkeeper Laetitia Scheunemann early in the first period. Despite several chances, including a shot from DiMauro that went high, the Golden Eagles were unable to capitalize.
Ursuline took the lead in the 18th minute with a goal by Fiona Rombach, assisted by Cloe Bengtson. Clarion responded with continued pressure, but efforts from
Kelly O'Donnell and
Sydney Taracatac missed the mark, while Scheunemann made crucial saves to maintain Ursuline's advantage. The first period concluded with Clarion trailing 1-0.
The second period began with a significant defensive highlight for the Golden Eagles as
Sage Sherk saved a penalty kick from Ursuline's Loreley Maier, maintaining the scoreline. Sherk finished with two saves and conceded only one goal.
