The Shippensburg University women’s lacrosse team honored its five seniors before Saturday afternoon’s home clash with No. 15 Gannon but had to weather a lightning delay and frequent downpours in addition to a talented Golden Knight squad that scored 11 first-half tallies en route to a 16-6 win over the Raiders from Robb Sports Complex.
SU rallied in the first half after falling behind 6-0 early. Sheila Johnson, who finished the contest with a career-high four goals, sandwiched tallies from juniors Roxanne Brown and Lindsey Kennedy to get the Raiders within two goals.
Following Johnson’s second goal at the 10:25 mark, lightning was detected within proximity of the site of competition, which necessitated a 30-minute delay. After play resumed, the Golden Knights erupted for five consecutive goals to break the game open. Johnson scored the last goal of the first half and the first goal of the second half, but the Raiders were held off the scoreboard for the final 25 minutes of the game.
GU won 17 of the 24 draw controls in the contest scored all of its tallies on extended runs. In addition to their six-goal run to start the game, the Golden Knights strung together five-goal runs late in the first half and to end the game. Sarah Grzybinski had four goals and five draw controls while Jess Fugate contributed a hat trick and seven draw controls.
Ali Cross made 10 saves and had two caused turnovers, while Liz French was strong on defense and had three caused turnovers. Bennett Widlake was active again with three caused turnovers, three groundball pickups, two groundballs and an assist on the fourth goal of the game.
Before the game, Meagan Borgoyn, Cross, Lauren Hauck, Meghan Kearney and Jessica Schubach were recognized in a pre-game ceremony.
SU has been eliminated from playoff contention but still has a chance to pick up victories in its last two games of the season. The Raiders will travel today for a 4 p.m. matchup at Georgian Court before hosting Millersville and former coach Mia Hall on Thursday at 4 p.m. to conclude the season.
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