As a new season approaches the Shippensburg University field hockey team, so does the hope of a repeat.
In the 2012 season the Raiders posted a stellar record of 17–3, their best since 2010 when they went 21–2.
SU hopes to mimic the 2010 season and earn it’s sixth straight PSAC playoff berth.
Despite the key losses in goalkeeper Ciarra Delost and midfielder Taylor Jones, the Raiders are set up for success coming into 2013, returning star forward and 2012 NFHCA Division II Player of the Year Bre White along with NFHCA Second Team All-American defender Katie Shoop.
White performed to her highest ability last season, tallying 17 goals and nine assists in 20 starts.
Shoop started all 20 games for the Raiders, scoring two goals and tallying four assists.
Accompanying White and Shoop in their returns is senior forward, Taylor Bender. Bender made appearances in all 20 games last season, notching 10 goals and one assist.
The Raiders posted stellar team statistics as well last year. Outscoring opponents 77–20 and recording a perfect 8–0 record at home.
What seemed to be SU’s only downfall from last year was the playoffs. The Raiders were 0–2 in post-season play, falling to Millersville University 1–0 in the PSAC playoffs and dropping a 3–2 decision to West Chester University in the NCAA Division II Championships.
Although SU had an outstanding 2012 campaign it is positioned in the No. 2 spot in the 2013 PSAC Preseason Coaches Poll, behind two-time defending PSAC champion West Chester University, respectively.
The Raiders open the season with the annual Jane Goss Memorial Tournament where they will face Saint Michael’s College on Sept. 7 at 11 a.m. and then take on Southern Connecticut State on Sept. 8 at 12:30 p.m. Both games will be held at Robb Sports on the campus of Shippensburg University.
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