Nicole Hawks's goal early in the second half got Pitt-Johnstown back to within one, but California (PA) added a late tally to secure a 3-1 PSAC Western Division win over the Mountain Cats, Wednesday evening at the Phillipsburg Soccer Facility in California.
 
Pitt-Johnstown, which holds a one-point advantage over Edinboro for final spot in the division for the PSAC Tournament, slipped to 7-6-2 overall and 5-6-2 in conference-play.
 
Despite the loss, Pitt-Johnstown would still clinch its first berth in next week's PSAC Tournament with a victory in Saturday's regular season finale against Clarion.
 
Cal U jumped out to a quick lead when Kaylee Elwood finished an assist from Caelin Thomas to bottom left corner of the net 14 minutes into the match, before the Vulcans took a 2-0 advantage into the halftime break on Alicia Green's goal off of a deflection in the 34^th minute.
 
Pitt-Johnstown grabbed the momentum to start the second half and cut the deficit in half on Hawk's unassisted goal that deflected off of Cal U goalkeeper Emma Williams in the 62^nd minute.
 
However, Adriana Marina tacked on in insurance goal with just :18 remaining in regulation to close out Cal U's 3-1 victory.
 
The Mountain Cats outshot the Vulcans 11-7 for the match, including holding a 7-1 advantage in the final 45 minutes.
 
Emma Morin suffered the loss for Pitt-Johnstown after allowing all three goals and making a pair of saves.
 
Cal U, which improved to 4-12-2 overall and 3-10-1 in the PSAC West, got two saves from Willliams.
 
Pitt-Johnstown will finish the 2024 regular season with a PSAC West match against Clarion on Saturday at noon at Richland High School.