Tournament MVP Julie Karcher scored with 11:27 remaining in the game to give West Chester a 2-1 win over IUP and its first PSAC women's soccer title.
The Golden Rams remained undefeated in 20 games and defeated IUP (14-6) for the third time this season, the last two by identical 2-1 margins. The two teams could meet again next weekend at the NCAA Division II Northeast Region tournament.
The 32-team NCAA field is comprised of four teams from each of the eight regions that comprise Division II women's soccer. The participating teams and host sites will be announced Monday evening.
West Chester, ranked first in the region and second in the National Soccer Coaches Association poll, will likely host the Northeast Regional on November 3 and 5. West Chester is the defending region champion.
IUP entered the PSAC playoffs ranked second in the region and 17th nationally and are almost guaranteed of reaching the NCAA tournament for the second time in the past three years. IUP was trying to duplicate its 2004 PSAC title when it defeated Kutztown at home in the title match.
But the Golden Ram defense was too strong, especially in the second half when they limited IUP to just three shots over the final 45 minutes. The game was tied at 1-1 when Karcher put her team-leading 19th goal of the season past IUP goalkeeper Becky Dillard.
Karcher, who scored three goals in West Chester's two playoff games, had an opportunity to put her team in front just a minute earlier, but her twisting shot went just high of the goal.
Both team scored in the first half and the game was tied at the break. Brittany Yetter opened the scoring with her 10th goal of the year, assisted by Lauren Ginnona.
IUP tied it at the 25:09 mark when Crystal Heder took a feed from Sarah Romasco and put a one-on-one shot past Hilary Smart for her 11th goal of the year and second of the playoffs. The assist for Romasco extended her IUP single season record to 13.
From that point on, the West Chester defense, led by reigning PSAC East Athlete of the Year Casey McKinney, held IUP in check. After the Karcher goal put the Golden Rams in front, IUP had one solid scoring chance, but a header by Romasco was easily fielded by Smart.
West Chester finished with a 16-7 advantage in shots and took four corner kicks to only one for IUP. Dillard and Smart were both credited with five saves.
SCORING SUMMARY:
GOAL Time Team Goal Scorer Assists
-------------------------------------------------------------
1. 9:36 WCU-W Brittany Yetter (10) Lauren Ginnona
2. 25:09 IUP-W Crystal Heder (11) Sarah Romasco
3. 78:33 WCU-W Julie Karcher (19) (unassisted)
Goalies
WCU - Hilary Smart (90.00), 1 GA, 5 Saves
IUP - Becky Dillard (90.00), 2 GA, 5 Saves
Shots: WCU 16, IUP 7
Corners: WCU 4, IUP 1