Penn State Schuylkill’s women’s soccer team overcame an early deficit to defeat Penn State Mont Alto 2–1 at Panzer Stadium, securing its third consecutive Penn State University Athletic Conference championship.
The victory marked the third championship in program history, with the Lions winning each season since 2024.
Landaverde Scores Championship-Winning Goal
Senior Jesenia Landaverde delivered the deciding goal at 58:33, heading a rebound off the crossbar into the net from about eight yards out. The unassisted goal gave Schuylkill its first lead, and the Lions held Mont Alto scoreless the rest of the way.
“Back-to-back-to-back PSUAC champions!” Landaverde said, describing her teammates as “equally motivated, resilient, and passionate, constantly pushing and supporting one another.”
Mont Alto struck first when Cameron Dillow scored just 2:32 into the match. Schuylkill responded by controlling much of the first half, finishing the opening period with a 16–2 advantage in shots.
Madison Warnack tied the match at 36:49 with a goal from the right wing, sending the teams into halftime even at 1–1.
Lions Overcome Injuries and Season Challenges
Warnack credited her teammates for overcoming injuries and continuing to support one another throughout the season.
She said she was “extremely grateful and proud of what our team was able to accomplish this weekend,” adding that the Lions continued to “push through and show up for each other.”
Head coach Kaylee Berkheiser also pointed to the challenges the team faced, including injuries, position changes and difficult losses.
Berkheiser said she was “incredibly proud of this team for everything they have overcome this season” and said the players had “come together as a unit” to bring another championship to campus.
“I couldn’t be prouder,” she said.
Schuylkill Holds Advantage in Shots
Schuylkill finished with a 24–4 advantage in shots, including 12 shots on goal, and earned six corner kicks to Mont Alto’s one.
Goalkeeper Morgan Rank made two saves, including a stop on Kaylen Gracey in the 69th minute that protected the Lions’ one-goal lead. Mont Alto goalkeeper Sarah Devilbiss recorded 10 saves.
The Lions completed their conference championship run with an 8–8 overall record and a 5–1 mark in PSUAC play. Schuylkill reached the final with a 5–0 semifinal victory over Penn State Beaver.
Landaverde also thanked her parents, brother Jose Landaverde and extended family for their support throughout her soccer career, while recognizing her heavenly angels, who she said are “always alongside me on the field.”
USCAA National Championship Berth
Schuylkill also earned an at-large berth in the USCAA Division II Women’s Soccer National Championship as the No. 4 seed.
The Lions were placed in Pool A with No. 1 Southwestern Adventist and No. 5 Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for the tournament in Coraopolis.