The Shippensburg University women’s soccer team hit the road to play Edinboro University Tuesday night in the opening round of the PSAC playoffs. The Raiders pulled off an upset victory over the No. 4 Fighting Scots by winning the match in overtime penalty kicks, 4–3.
The Raiders battled back and forth with the Fighting Scots in the first period. SU was outshot 5–4 but matched EU in saves at two each.
SU had three opportunities early in the match when it fired off three shots, two of which were saved by EU goalie Meghan Kelly. The two saves were the only ones Kelly recorded throughout the game.
Raider goalkeeper Shelbie Rackley was equally as dominate in the goal during the first half. The senior goalie recorded two of her eight saves in the first period of play.
The second period shadowed the first, except this time Rackley recorded four saves for the Raiders.
The Fighting Scots outshot SU 11–8.
The end of regulation ended in a deadlock at 0.
EU started the first overtime period with two quick shots, one was saved by Rackley and the other sailed wide of the net. The Raiders were unable to take any shots in the first overtime.
The second overtime begin with the Raiders taking three shots, two were blocked by the EU defense and one sailed wide.
Rackley saved the only Fighting Scot shot on goal in the final overtime.
With the game still tied at zero the game was to be decided by a penalty kick shootout.
Rachel Hess took the first shot for the Raiders and made it. EU’s Liz Debo took the first shot for the Fighting Scots and also made it.
Stephanie Allshouse followed Hess and unfortunately missed. The Fighting Scots’ Jansen Hartmann recorded the second penalty kick shot and made it.
The Raiders’ Kaila Dautrich, Danielle Nauman and Alyssa House made the next three consecutive penalty kicks for SU.
EU missed its third penalty shot but made the fourth, putting the weight of the match in the final penalty kick.
The Fighting Scots’ Shannon Regan stepped up to the mark to try and keep EU alive but her shot was wide, solidifying the Raiders’ thrilling victory.
With the win the Raiders now travel to play No. 1-seed California University of Pa., the game will be played on Nov. 8. Game time is to be announced.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.