PAINESVILLE, Ohio -- The Lake Erie women's soccer team hosted the Crimson Hawks for the first time in program history, falling 3-1 in a tough battle. IUP struck early and the Storm couldn't quite climb back, dropping their first game of the season. Now sitting at 2-1 after non-conference play, Lake Erie will turn its focus to a strong start in G-MAC competition against Kentucky Wesleyan next week.
Game Recap
IUP showcased the skill that fueled their 11-1 regular season and NCAA tournament berth last year, with their athleticism and crisp play on full display. After an early shot by Pauline Passarge was blocked in the opening minute, the Storm spent much of the first half on the defensive, as the Crimson Hawks unleashed nine shots. For comparison, Lake Erie's first two opponents, Edinboro and California (Pa.), managed just seven attempts each in their matchups entirely.
The game stayed scoreless for the first 28 minutes—unsurprising, given that both teams had opened the season with back-to-back shutouts. That changed quickly when IUP scored twice in a five-minute span. The Storm responded immediately, as freshman Isabella Carvalho tallied her first collegiate point to cut the deficit to 2-1. But momentum shifted right back, with IUP answering less than a minute later to carry a 3-1 lead into halftime.
In the second half, the Storm showed grit and noticeably sharper execution since the opener, but struggled to create clean looks offensively. They managed just two shots, both off target. Meanwhile, IUP's experience carried them to 10 more attempts, though keeper Morgan Vanmeter and the Storm defense turned away seven of them—four with saves and three with blocks (three more off-target)—to keep the game within reach. Ultimately Lake Erie was unable to mount a comeback and dropped their first game after opening 2-0 for the first time in six years.
Looking Ahead
Lake Erie now turns its attention to G-MAC play, beginning with a home matchup against Kentucky Wesleyan on Thursday, September 18th at 4 p.m. After that, the Storm will hit the road for three straight games, starting with Ohio Dominican on Saturday, September 20th.
