ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College soccer team was beaten by Gwynedd Mercy University in a 4-0 defeat on Wednesday night at the FalconPlex.

The first half saw the Griffins establish an early lead, with first-year Drew Bark (Philadelphia, Pa.) opening the scoring in the ninth minute. Despite the Falcons' attempts to respond, including a shot by first-year Laila Stevenson (Sayreville, N.J./Sayreville War Memorial) that was saved by senior Natalie Gablein (Philadelphia, Pa.), Gwynedd Mercy extended their advantage with another goal by Bark in the 13th minute. Cedar Crest continued to press, with sophomore Lizzy DeNunzio (Easton, Pa./Easton Area) and first-year Amiyah Carroll (Severn, Md./Old Mill Senior) forcing saves from Gablein, but a goal by sophomore Casey Thomas (Philadelphia, Pa.) in the 36th minute left the Falcons trailing 3-0 at the end of the half.

The second half began with the Cedar Crest defense under pressure as senior Bella Bozen (Lockport, Ill./Lockport Township) made a crucial save in the 46th minute against a shot by junior Bridget Cannon (Bensalem, Pa.). Despite persistent offensive efforts, including a shot by DeNunzio at the 69th minute that was saved by the Gablein, the Falcons couldn't find the back of the net. The half saw the Griffins extend their lead with a goal by Bark in the 54th minute, and Cedar Crest was unable to convert their scoring opportunities, concluding the half with a 4-0 deficit.

Bozen recorded nine saves for the Falcons, facing 13 shots throughout the match. DeNunzio led the team in offensive efforts with three total shots, two of which were on goal. Stevenson also contributed with two shots, including one that tested the opposing goalkeeper. Carroll added pressure with two shots, one of which was on target.

Bark paced the Gwynedd Mercy with a standout performance, scoring three goals, converting all three of her shots on goal. Senior Kira Bradley (Langhorne, Pa.) contributed significantly with an assist and was active offensively, taking four shots, three of which were on goal. Thomas found the back of the net once, with her single shot being on target. In goal, Gablein made four saves over 45 minutes, maintaining a clean sheet during her time on the field.

Cedar Crest (1-5-0 overall) is set to face Delaware Valley University at home on Saturday, September 20 at 1:00 p.m., marking Senior Day.  Gwynedd Mercy (3-4-0 overall) will next host Cairn University on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.