The Shippensburg University women’s soccer team held on to a late barrage to secure its first win in PSAC play with a 2-1 victory over visiting Clarion University from David See field on Saturday.
The team, led by goals from Ashley Vellucci and Rhonda Runion, almost let the lead slip away late in the game but held on with strong goaltending from Shelbie Rackley and a strong defensive effort. The stalwart play by Kylee Bricker helped make SU impenetrable.
The Raiders pressured CU early in the first half with quality scoring chances by Katie Leverentz and Mackenzie Neal. Neal’s shot glanced just wide of the right post.
However, the Raiders catapulted themselves into the scoring column 18 minutes into the game when Runion floated a strike from 20 yards out that went just above the outstretched, CU goalkeeper, Laura Saussol, and into the left corner. The goal was Runion’s third of the season.
SU relied on the strong goaltending from Rackley during the first half as it was outscored 7-5 in the half, and 17-11 in the game.
SU tallied again early in the second half off a controversial goal by Ashley Vellucci. Off of a corner kick and a scrum in the box, Vellucci knocked in ball over an injured Saussol, erupting CU fans in the bleachers.
The goal stood, and so did the win for SU.
CU rallied to score with four minutes left in the game but time was not on its side, and the Raiders held on for victory.
With the goal in the first half, Saussol ended her streak of three consecutive shutouts.
The Raiders return to action tomorrow night against West Chester University at 7:30 from David See Field.
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