An early goal propelled the Shippensburg University field hockey team past Bloomsburg University 1–0 in their PSAC semifinal matchup on Friday afternoon.
The Raiders started the game applying pressure to BU’s goalie Megan Eppley. SU fired off three shots within the first three minutes; Eppley saved all of them.
SU controlled the pace of the game from the start, applying pressure early and often but they were unable to break the Huskies’ defense.
BU looked as if it was going to strike first when it was awarded a penalty stroke. The Huskies’ Brittany Mathews took the shot but Raider goalie Carenna Neely made a spectacular diving save to keep the game tied at zero.
SU’s Lauren Taylor broke the ice in the 26th minute of play when she collected her own rebound and snuck the ball past the left side of the BU goalie, sending the Raiders up 1–0.
“Scoring early definitely sets a standard for the game,” Taylor said. “You can catch them on their heels and that goal put the momentum back into our control.”
Taylor finished the game with three shots on goal.
The lone goal is all the Raiders needed as SU’s defense was stellar. SU’s Neely finished the game with six saves. The Raiders’ defense kept the Huskies at bay the entire game.
“We really focused on practicing their slam ball. They like to slam the ball up the field. We practiced how to defend that and how to react to it,” Taylor said.
SU’s defense held the Huskies to just seven shots throughout Friday’s game.
The Raiders now move on to the PSAC Championship game on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2:30 p.m. at Robb Sports Complex.
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