Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (9/13/2022) - Gwynedd Mercy University looked to break into a 5-0 halftime lead with a refocused second-half effort against Penn State Abington. Unfortunately, early Griffin opportunities were fruitless and a late Nittany Lion tally (88:16) pushed the final deficit to six tallies; 6-0. Senior forward Evan Kirby (Bensalem, Pa.) took two of Gwynedd Mercy University's six shots while five others recorded one apiece.

Penn State Abington (2-2-1) found themselves with a 4-0 lead in the in the opening 30 minutes of the affair thanks to the play of Eljo Agolli (Philadelphia, Pa.). The Nittany Lion sophomore midfielder scored the visitor's first goal on a penalty shot (1-0, 16:47) and the second from the near flank off  (2-0, 18:11), before locating sophomore forward Brian Gibson (Bensalem, Pa.) for the third Penn State Abington tally (3-0, 19:59) and completing his own hat trick with the fourth; 4-0 (29:30). Gwynedd Mercy University (1-4) allowed one more Nittany Lion goal before halftime (5-0, 33:54), but slowed the visitor's advances after intermission with improved defense and increased possession.

The Griffins had two early second-half corner kicks (48:14, 48:58) and a header from sophomore midfielder Kasey Wallace (Audubon, N.J.) (49:27), but were unable to crack the Penn State Abington defense. Later Gwynedd Mercy University attempts were taken by senior midfielder Tyler Bascone (Wenonah, N.J.) (63:01), junior defenseman Victor Cruz (New Castle, Del.) (64:49), Kirby (73:08), and junior defenseman Mike Fienman (Philadelphia, Pa.) (80:21). In goal, sophomore Shaine Kirby (Newtown, Pa.) and senior John Wagner (Phoenixville, Pa.) split the 90 minutes; the former (1-1) made four saves in the opening half, while the latter made five saves in the closing half.

Gwynedd Mercy University competes next on Friday, September 16, when they visit Bryn Athyn College for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff.