The University of Scranton women’s soccer team battled nationally ranked Misericordia University for more than 70 minutes before the Cougars pulled away late to hand the Royals a 3-0 defeat at Fitzpatrick Field on Wednesday evening.

Scranton (6-7-4) trailed 1-0 when Misericordia scored in the 19th minute, but the Royals had numerous solid chances in the first half to knot the score. The best chance came when Scranton was awarded a penalty kick for a handball in the box, but the shot by junior forward Samantha Russo (Yorktown Heights, N.Y./Yorktown) was saved by Misericordia freshman goalie Maureen Ciccosanti (Middletown, N.J./Academy of Allied Health & Science).

The Cougars, who are ranked No. 15 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America top 25, scored twice in the final 20 minutes to put the game out of reach. Misericordia (14-2-1) held a 21-14 advantage in shots and 4-3 in corner kicks.

Russo led the Royals with four shots while sophomore midfielder Katie O’Hanlon (Rockville Centre, N.Y./Sacred Heart Academy) had three.

Scranton will conclude its regular season when it hosts Juniata on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 1 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Field. The Royals can secure the top seed in next week’s Landmark Conference playoffs with a win or tie against the Eagles.

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