The Pitt-Johnstown women's soccer team out-shot California (PA) 14-4 on Wednesday evening at Phillipsburg Soccer Facility in California, but a first-half strike from the Vulcans proved to be the difference as the Mountain Cats dropped a 1-0 decision in their PSAC West opener.
With the loss, Pitt-Johnstown falls to 1-2-0 overall and 0-1-0 in conference play, while California (PA) improves to 1-1-0 overall and 1-1-0 in the PSAC.
Despite being outplayed for long stretches, California (PA) struck in the 18th minute when Casey Eaton buried a shot for the game's lone goal, assisted by Julia Flynn. From there, the Mountain Cats controlled possession and territory, peppering Vulcans goalkeepers Kaleigh Rexroad and AJ Seddon with shot after shot but were unable to find an equalizer.
Rylee Fry led Pitt-Johnstown's offensive push, firing off a team-high two shots on goal among her two shot attempts. Madelyn Pfaff also tested the Vulcans' defense, recording two shots with one on frame, while Maddie Barrick, Nicole Hawk and Faith King each generated scoring chances of their own.
In goal, Parker Grimm turned in another full 90 minutes for the Mountain Cats, finishing with one save on the night while allowing just the single goal.
Pitt-Johnstown held a 5-3 shot advantage in the first half before turning up the pressure after the break, out-shooting California (PA) 9-1 in the second half. The Mountain Cats also won the corner-kick battle, 6-4, continuing to press for a response that never quite arrived.
Pitt-Johnstown will look to bounce back at home this weekend when it hosts Edinboro on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. at Pitt-Johnstown Soccer Field, before welcoming Indiana (Pa.) to Johnstown on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 1 p.m.
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