Penn (0-2) fell 7-0 to NAIA Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) Friday, but bounced back to only fall 2-0 to NCAA Division I Southern Utah Saturday.

The Lady Statesmen trailed just 1-0 at the break against the Eagles (1-1) Friday, but the flood gates opened in the second stanza and six more goals came through.

"Friday night's game was not the result I had hoped for, but there were some good things we did," Lady Statesmen Head Coach Greg Walter said. "We have to get into better shape and work on the little things to improve the rest of the season. We have some very talented new players and that game was their first experience playing at the college level."

Despite an overnight bus ride up to Utah, the team held strong the following day and only gave up two goals versus the Thunderbirds (2-1). Penn was outshot 32-2 and faced ten Southern Utah corner kicks, but goalkeeper Aubree Gallego (So., Arlington, Texas, Mansfield Legacy HS) was outstanding, collecting 17 saves to keep the score close.

Offensively, Dana Tamos (Jr., Victoria, Australia, Ringwood College) and Stephanie Deck (So., Plain City, Utah, Fremont HS) had one shot each.

"Right after the Embry-Riddle game, we got onto the bus and drove to Utah and did not get into the hotel until 6 a.m.," Walter said. "Today, the ladies showed what type of team they are. Playing against a Division I team with sleeping in a bus most of the night, a few hours of sleep in a hotel, and getting beat 7-0 the night before, I was so impressed with the entire effort from the team."

"Southern Utah beat Embry-Riddle 8-0 a few days earlier and to only to lose 2-0 to them shows the type of team we are," Walter said. "We work hard and never give up. The team played very well, but Aubree Gallego was truly amazing today. Southern Utah tried so hard to get more goals passed her, but she was stepped up and made some great saves. Hands-down, Aubree was the player of the weekend."

Next: Penn travels to Kansas next weekend for a pair of non-conference games. The Lady Statesmen face Friends in Wichita on Friday at 6 p.m. and then meet up with Ottawa on Saturday in Ottawa at 5 p.m.