Pitt-Johnstown presented plenty of challenges for No. 19 Mercyhurst early on, but two unanswered goals in the second half sent the Mountain Cats to a 2-1 setback on Wednesday afternoon.

The Mountain Cats slipped to 3-7-1 overall (1-6-1 PSAC), but posted an admirable defensive performance by holding the nationally ranked Lakers to only five shots on goal. Mercyhurst improved to 12-2-1 overall (5-2-1 PSAC).

Josh Sollars recorded his second goal of the season in the seventh minute to make it 1-0. Despite the Lakers creating several opportunities late in the first half, the Mountain Cats turned them away each time and took that advantage into the break.

But less than two minutes into the second half, the Lakers responded with a goal by Jonathan Chase to knot the match at 1-all.

Mercyhurst's only other score came in the 61st minute via a free kick off the foot of Dylan Sumner, who is second in the conference with 13 goals scored.

Goalkeeper PJ Derksen registered three saves in net.

Pitt-Johnstown visits Cal (PA) on Saturday at 2 p.m.