The Gannon University women’s soccer team has had quite the week.
The No. 8 Knights made quick work on the road at IUP on Tuesday with a 3-1 win and started the weekend with a 3-0 win over Bloomsburg Friday.
But it’s what Gannon did Saturday that has grabbed national attention.
Four days after entering the Top 25 national rankings at No. 19, Gannon proved it should be there — and stay there.
The Knights held off No. 5 West Chester 2-1 Saturday at McConnell Family Stadium to defeat the highest-ranked opponent in program history.
Gannon (5-0, 4-0 PSAC) got on the board in the 33rd minute when Mani Brueckner’s header found the net, giving Gannon a 1-0 lead that would last until the 51st minute when the Knights extended it.
Sammy Valloud used creative footwork to get past her defender before firing a shot from 25 yards out to give Gannon a 2-0 advantage.
Lexi Brown’s goal with 8 minutes, 40 seconds left cut the Gannon lead to one, but that would be as close at the Golden Rams (4-1, 4-1 PSAC) would get.
The win marks Gannon’s first victory over a nationally ranked opponent since a 1-0 shutout over No. 15 Slippery Rock Nov. 5, 2013.
Gannon also grabbed the top spot in the Atlantic region rankings, after starting the season 5-0 for the first time since 2012.
The Knights will travel to Lock Haven on Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. start.
DOMINIC SANSONE
