Amanda Panaro scores for the second-straight match

Amanda Panaro has scored three goals in the last two matches.

BRIARCLIFF, N.Y. (October 8, 2011) – The Franklin Pierce University women’s soccer team could not hold its second half lead in dropping a tough 3-2 decision at Pace on Saturday in Briarcliff, N.Y. The Ravens dipped to 5-6 overall and 3-6 in the Northeast-10, while the Setters improved to 4-7-1 and 3-6-1 in league play.

Forwards Amanda Panaro (Rockland, Mass.) and Talita Pereira (Sao Paulo, Brazil) each blasted a goal to spark the Franklin Pierce offensive attack. Pereira’s goal in the 59^th minute -- off a penalty kick attempt -- staked the Ravens to a 2-1 lead, but Franklin Pierce could not hold onto the advantage as Pace picked up its offensive play and ultimately tied it at 2-2 in the 73^rd minute off a Jillian Ferro goal.

The Setters pulled out the win in the 89^th minute as Olivia Mapplethorpe got behind the Franklin Pierce defenders and slipped a shot past Jocelyn Leon (Lenox, Mass.) for the match-winner.

Franklin Pierce outshot Pace, 17-16, including putting 12 shots on goal. The Setters also put 12 shots on goal. Leon made nine saves despite suffering the loss (5-6), while Pace keeper Courtany Hagen turned aside 10 shots to pick up the win and improve to 4-7-1 on the year.

Pace jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead a little more than three minutes into the contest as Seanna Wright scored on an unassisted goal. Panaro knotted the score at 1-1 seven minutes into the second half on an unassisted tally of her own.

Franklin Pierce returns to action Wednesday night when the Ravens play host to American International at 6 p.m. in Sodexo Field.

For more information on Franklin Pierce women’s soccer, please visit the team’s page at athletics.franklinpierce.edu(.) To follow the program even further, please visit Franklin Pierce Athletics on YouTube (www.youtube.com/FranklinPierceSports), Twitter (www.twitter.com/FPUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceAthletics).