Box Score
WEST CHESTER - Brittany Yetter's goal in the 65th minute gave West Chester a two-goal lead and proved to be the game-winner as the Golden Rams defeated East Stroudsburg University 3-2 in the second round of the NCAA Division II women's soccer playoffs on Sunday afternoon.
The Warriors' second loss since October 1 ends their season with a 12-6-4 record, which includes the team's second straight appearance in the PSAC semifinals and the first NCAA playoff win in school history, a 4-0 victory over West Virginia Wesleyan on Friday. ESU was 9-1-2 in its last dozen games, including a 1-1 tie at West Chester, entering Sunday's contest.
West Chester took a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute with a header from Jenna Arnold on a free kick from Lauren Boyer, the first of two assists from Boyer on the day.
ESU leveled the score six minutes later as senior forward Lynda Hicks finished a play assisted by sophomore Lindsay Foder. The goal is the 18th of the year for Hicks, tied for second in school history, and the 38th of her career - third all-time at ESU.
Boyer took another free kick in the 36th minute and Brittany Couper banged home the rebound to give West Chester a 2-1 lead at halftime. Yetter scored an unassisted goal 20 minutes into the second half to extend the lead to 3-1.
Senior midfielder Janel Cleffi scored with 13:35 remaining to make the score 3-2. ESU controlled most of the second half, holding a 13-3 advantage in shots, but Hilary Smart made six saves and the Warriors couldn't knock home the tying goal.
Hicks, Cleffi, back Tara Takac, midfielders Jennifer Buckley, Jillian Leach and Kerry Ruland, forward Dena Shleifer and goalkeeper Janine Turcio all played in their final games for ESU.
Turcio started all 22 games in goal and tied the school record with eight shutouts this season. Her 13 shutouts in the last two years are second in school history. Hicks is fifth in ESU history in both single-season (39) and career (82) points. Cleffi had 15 goals and 13 assists in 78 career starts and was a three-time All-PSAC selection.
