Wagner College Athletics

ERIE, Pa. – The Wagner College women's soccer team fell to NEC opponent Mercyhurst, 2-1, on Thursday afternoon at Saxon Stadium.

Mercyhurst (5-11-1, 4-4-1 NEC) opened the scoring in the seventh minute, giving the Lakers an early 1-0 advantage.

Wagner (6-8-2, 5-3-0 NEC) looked to respond immediately, as junior Megan Knapp registered a shot on goal less than a minute later, but Mercyhurst made the save.

Junior goalkeeper Abigail Marcello made four saves throughout the remainder of the opening half to keep the Seahawks within one goal heading into halftime.

The Green & White came out aggressively in the second half, registering four shots and three corner kicks in the opening 15 minutes.

Wagner broke through in the 65th minute when junior Kelly Gallagher found the back of the net for the equalizer, leveling the score at 1-1.

The Seahawks continued to apply pressure following the equalizer, as sophomore Riley Frederick registered a shot on goal less than a minute later, but Mercyhurst made the save.

With the game tied late in the second half, Mercyhurst regained the lead in the 84th minute, giving the Lakers a 2-1 advantage.

Wagner outshot Mercyhurst 9-6 in the second half and held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks throughout the contest.

Gallagher led the Seahawks offensively with five shots, including two on goal, while Megan Knapp added three shots, with two on target.

Marcello finished the afternoon with seven saves.

With two games remaining in the regular season, Wagner sits in fourth place in the NEC standings, trailing CCSU, Stonehill and FDU, all of which have already clinched spots in the four-team NEC Tournament.

The Seahawks hold a two-point advantage over Le Moyne for the fourth and final tournament spot.

With a victory over Le Moyne on Sunday, Wagner would clinch a berth in the NEC Tournament for the fourth consecutive season and sixth time in program history.

The Seahawks will host Le Moyne on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 1 p.m. on Hameline Field for Senior Day, with live coverage available on NEC Front Row.

Prior to the game, Wagner will honor seniors Ava Pugliese, Shae Allen, Caroline Kessler and Alana Goldsmith for their contributions and dedication to the program throughout their time as Seahawks.