READING , Pa. - An offensive explosion in overtime helped top-seeded Penn State Berks secure a 3-0 win over No. 2 Penn State Harrisburg Saturday afternoon in the Women’s Soccer Championship Final. With the victory, Berks collects its 8th conference title and its 8th since 2013.

The victors also earned the automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division III Women’s Soccer Championship. The selection show for that will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday.

It was a defensive battle throughout all of regulation with neither side able to put a tally on the board. Entering the overtime periods though, Penn State Berks was able to find its offense. To get things going the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year found the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year as a nice through pass from Sara Hathaway connected with Emily Clapper. Clapper then finished in the far corner giving the contest its first goal at the 96th minute mark. 

Just over two minutes later, the home side doubled their lead as Hathaway found a streaking Ashley Jocham heading into the box. Jocham collected the ball and beat a defender and the keeper to give Berks its second goal of the OT period. Not done yet, Clapper added an insurance goal to make it 3-0 in the second overtime stanza. That goal was assisted by Freshman of the Year, Diana Pon.

Sophia Gonzalez recorded the shutout win for Berks, registering a half dozen saves in the process. 

Harrisburg had the 6-4 edge in corners but were unable to capitalize. Sarah Toche-Manley and Serenity Hill both ended the day with a pair of shots on target.

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The United East has nine NCAA Division III member institutions which include: Gallaudet University, Lancaster Bible College, Morrisville State, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Harrisburg, St. Mary's College of Maryland and Wells College. The United East also includes three associate members in the sport of men’s golf including Clarks Summit University, Rosemont College, Rutgers University – Camden and Wilson College. Clarks Summit University is also an associate member in the sport of men’s tennis. The United East has also partnered with the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference in the sports of men's and women's lacrosse. For more information, please visit: gounitedeast.com