MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – The 24th-ranked Kutztown University women's soccer team gave up a second-half goal, the first against the defense this season, and were unable to find the back of the net themselves, falling 1-0 Wednesday night on a humid evening at Pucillo Field on the campus of Millersville University.
 
It was the first defeat of 2019 for the nationally ranked Golden Bears, who fell to 1-1 overall and 0-1 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).
 
Michelle Belcher of the Marauders (2-0, 1-0) broke a 0-0 deadlock in the 61st minute after the two teams were even in the run of play after the first 45-minute half. But in the second half, Millersville controlled much of the possession and had more of the scoring opportunities.
 
Millersville outshot Kutztown 13-5 in the latter half and held a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks after it was 4-4 in shots and 2-1 MU in corners in the opening frame.
 
Belcher received the ball near the top of the 18-yard box, took a few dribbles, and then curled one towards the lower-right end of the KU goal under the diving arms of senior goalie Jenna Bracken (Wanaque, N.J./Lakeland Regional). Bracken, who finished with three saves, along with defenders Kristina Miller (Lansdale, Pa./North Penn), Anna Hull (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley), Kaylee Kupiec (Deptford, N.J./Gloucester Catholic) and Molly McHarg (Limerick, Pa./Spring-Ford) were stout all game outside of one shot sneaking into goal.
 
Emily Zwiercan (Reinholds, Pa./Cocalico) led KU with three shots, followed by Schyler Ackerman (Mountville, Pa./Hempfield) with two. Sam LaBianca (Beachwood, N.J./Toms River South), Gabby Kane (Royersford, Pa./Spring-Ford), Molly McHarg (Limerick, Pa./Spring-Ford) and Kayla Argen (Cresco, Pa./Pocono Mountain East) all had one shot each.
 
Kutztown will open its brand-new turf field complex for the home-opener this Saturday night, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. against East Stroudsburg.