First Half PK Sends GMC to CSAC Championship
Marywood fell in the CSAC seminfinals to GMC, 1-0

First Half PK Sends GMC to CSAC Championship

Women's Soccer - 11/2/2012 7:44:00 PM

Box Score

Scranton, PA - A penalty kick called in the 36th minute of play was all fifth-seeded Gwynedd-Mercy College needed as the Griffins hung on to defeat top seed Marywood University 1-0 in the Colonial States Athletic Conference women's soccer semifinals Friday night in Scranton.  Marywood out-shot the Griffins 25-7 on the night but could not find the back of the net, ending their chances to advance to the title game for a third straight season.

In a very evenly played opening first half, Marywood (10-8-1) held a slight 7-5 advantage in shots.  Both keepers managed to keep the other team's offense off the board until a questionable penalty kick was awarded to the Griffins in the 36th minute.  A Griffin took the ball in on a breakaway, and Marywood keeper Victoria Pezdirtz came out to challenge.  After the shot left the foot of the Griffins attacker and sailed wide of the goal, Pezdirtz's momentum carried her into the attacker and the referee awarded a penalty shot.  Maura Gifford took the kick for the Griffins, striking it to her right, and Pezdirtz got her finger tips on the attempt but it was not enough as the ball went in.

In the second half, with Marywood pressing, the Pacers dominated the shot count 18-2 but Jessica Tadley was there to make 10 saves for the Griffins and preserve the win.  Marywood also had a 8-1 advantage in corner kicks but could not muster any decent chances off of them. 

The Griffins, now 11-8-2 on the year, advance to take on second seeded Cabrini College Sunday afternoon in the CSAC title game.  The Cavaliers, who downed #3 Neumann 1-0 Friday night, will be looking for their second consecutive conference title and automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament.

The Pacers will await an outside shot at a bid to the ECAC South Region Tournament.  The field of eight teams is expected to be announced late Monday or early Tuesday after the NCAA field is set.
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