LANCASTER, Pa. – The University of Scranton women’s soccer team battled Franklin & Marshall on the Diplomats’ home turf for nearly two hours. Despite outshooting them in the final 65 minutes, the Royals dropped a tough 1-0 decision in double overtime on Friday afternoon.

The teams were less than four minutes from a tie when Franklin & Marshall broke the stalemate on a goal by junior midfielder Alexa Yarish (Washington, D.C./Connelly School of the Holy Child) from the right side. Scranton senior goalie Kelsy McAnelly (West Chester, Pa./Villa Maria Academy) got a hand on the shot, but it still found the net for the deciding tally.

The Royals outshot the Diplomats, 10-8 for the game, including 8-2 after halftime. But Franklin & Marshall senior goalkeeper Amanda McGowan (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) made six saves for the shutout.

Senior forward Samantha Russo (Yorktown Heights, N.Y./Yorktown) led Scranton with three shots while freshmen midfielders Christina Akalski (Long Beach, N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) and Kelly Egan (Essex Falls, N.J./West Essex Senior) each had two shots.

The Royals are back in action on Saturday when they face top-ranked Messiah College at 7 p.m. in Grantham, Pa.

--ROYALS--