EAST STROUDSBURG — The top-ranked Gannon women’s soccer team entered Friday’s regular-season finale against East Stroudsburg as the only team without a loss or tie at any level in the NCAA and was eyeing to become the first PSAC team to finish the regular season undefeated since West Chester in 2006.
However, the Warriors had different plans.
East Stroudsburg (9-6-1 overall, 9-6-1 PSAC) erased an early 1-0 deficit with four second-half goals to upset No. 1 Gannon, 4-2, at Eiler-Martin Stadium.
Despite the loss, Gannon (17-1-0, 15-1-0) still earned the PSAC regular-season title and will host a quarterfinal-round game Tuesday at McConnell Family Stadium.
The Knights led 1-0 midway through the first half when senior Amanda Gallant scored in the 22nd minute.
The score remained unchanged until the 60th minute as Sammi Jo Hughes found the net for the Warriors, before Hannah Gombos scored just four minutes later to give East Stroudsburg a 2-1 lead.
The Warriors offensive attack didn’t let up, tacking on two more scores to take a three-goal lead late in the second half.
Gannon senior Kaitlyn Kissell scored with nine minutes remaining, but that would be as close as the Knights got.
Gannon will enter the PSAC Tournament as the No. 1 seed and can host the tournament final four with a win Tuesday. Gannon’s opponent is to be determined.
DOMINIC SANSONE