Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford women's soccer team hosted Penn State Altoona on Saturday, losing the game to the Lady Lions 6-1.

Prior to the action, the Panthers recognized six graduating team members for Senior Day. This included goalkeeper Emily Bethel, defender Katie Anderton, midfielder Cassidy Fenner, midfielder Gianna Granito, forward Emily Royea, and student assistant coach Taylor Sutryk. The seniors were presented with flowers from their teammates while being accompanied by close family members.

As the action started, the Panthers got off to a quick start as they were able to pressure the Penn State Altoona goal right from the beginning. 20 seconds into the game, Emily Goetz forced a saved out of the Lion keeper on a shot to the top right corner. Emily Bethel made early diving save to keep the game scoreless through 23 minutes, but the visitors were able to open the scoring on a putback shot just before the 24th minute of play. The Lions continued to gather momentum from there, quickly pushing their lead to 3 within ten minutes. The Panthers had a chance to cut into the lead in the 32nd minute of play. The Panthers earned a penalty kick after a shot was blocked in the box by a defender using their arm. Emily Royea stepped up to the spot, only to see her effort parried away on a diving save to the corner. Royea was able to get to the rebound and put another shot on target, but it found the keeper to end the chance. A minute later Katie Anderton ripped a shot from outside the box following a corner kick that just missed the upper 90 for a goal kick. 

The Lions took advantage of the PAnthers' missed chances, quickly scoring two more goals to extend their lead to 5-0. Alexis Gibbons was able to pull a goal back in the 42nd minute. She was able to track down a long pass over the Lion defense from Kihara Gotshall, take one touch, and put a low finish under the goalkeeper to open the Panthers' account for the day. After halftime, the Panthers were able to hold onto the ball much more, as they only allowed the Lions to put one more shot on target in the game. Unfortunately for Pitt-Bradford, it did find the back of the net to make the final score 6-1.

Alexis Gibbons scored her team-leading 4th goal of the season. It was her only attempt on goal in the game. Emily Goetz once again led the Panthers in shots, taking 5 attempts, while putting 2 of them on target. Kihara Gotshall assisted the lone Panther goal, her first of the season. Emily Bethel made 5 saves in the loss.

The Panthers will be back in action on Wednesday when they head to Buffalo to take on Medaille under the lights.