MESA, Ariz. --- The Park University Gilbert women's soccer team (5-9-2, 3-6-2) lost to the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles (15-0-2, 12-0) by a score of 4-2, Tuesday evening at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz.
After falling 1-0 to the Eagles last Saturday, the Buccaneers put up another valiant effort against the No. 8-ranked program in the NAIA.
Embry-Riddle hadn't given up more than a goal once in conference play this season. Overall, the last time the Eagles gave up two or more goals was in a draw against the No. 3-ranked John Brown University on Sept. 4. Park-Gilbert also snapped ERAU's five-game shutout win streak.
The Bucs wasted no time getting on the board, as senior forward Lauren Runnion netted her ninth goal of the season 23 seconds into this contest. Junior forward Yadira Bernal assisted on the play. Park-Gilbert held onto its 1-0 lead for the entire first half.
Early in the second half, the Eagles scored a pair of goals in the 46th and 50th minutes. In the 70th minute, sophomore forward Mikenzie Kulish scored her second goal of the season as Bernal picked up her second assist of the game.
Seven minutes later, the Eagles went on another scoring run as they picked up goals in the 77th and 79th minutes.
The Bucs took a total of two shots, resulting in a perfect 1.000 shot percentage. Embry-Riddle totaled 13 shots and eight shots on goal.
In net for Park-Gilbert was sophomore goalkeeper Journey Morimoto, who moved to .500 in her nine starts this season (4-4-1). Morimoto saved three shots in the first half and one in the second.
The Bucs return to the pitch this Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. MST, when they hit the road for California to face the Hope International University Royals (9-6-1, 6-4-1) at the OC Great Park in Irvine, Calif.
