Lebanon Valley used a pair of second-half goals to hand The University of Scranton women’s soccer team a 2-1 defeat on Sunday in second-day action in the Joe Bochicchio Classic at sun-splashed Fitzpatrick Field.

Scranton (2-2) held a 1-0 lead at halftime, but the Dutchmen (3-1) rallied with goals in the 67th and 77th minutes to pull out the victory.

Sophomore midfielder Kelly Egan (Essex Falls, N.J./West Essex) gave the Royals a first-half lead when she scored her first goal of the season and fourth of her career in the 34th minute. She took a pass from freshman forward Samantha Wargo (Kings Park, N.Y./St. Anthony’s) on the left wing, dribbled in a beat the goalie low with a blistering shot.

Scranton outshot Lebanon Valley, 9-0, in the first half, but the Dutchmen found their offensive rhythm in the second half, applying some early pressure before breaking through midway through the half, then finding the game-winner with 13 minutes left.

The Royals finished with a 15-6 advantage in shots and an 8-4 advantage in corner kicks. Sophomore goalkeeper Krissy Welsh (Swarthmore, Pa./Strath Haven) made two saves for the Royals.

The Joe Bochicchio Classic is played annually in memory of late Royals head coach Joe Bochicchio, who passed away in 2007. In 23 seasons, he led The University of Scranton women's soccer program to 296 victories, 15 conference championships and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Scranton returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 10, when the Royals travel to Union, N.J. to take on Kean at 7:30 p.m.

--ROYALS--