On Nov. 11 the Shippensburg University women’s soccer team watched the NCAA selection show in hopes of receiving its first-ever NCAA Division II soccer bid.
SU’s hopes were granted when the Raiders were selected to play Edinboro University on Nov. 15 at Slippery Rock University, the host school.
This is the fist time in the women’s soccer 20-year history that they have been awarded a spot in the NCAA playoffs.
The Raiders have worked hard this entire season to get to this point. The team reached the PSAC playoffs for the first time since 2010.
During this year’s PSAC playoffs, the Raiders did not allow a single goal.
Leading up to the Raiders’ semi-final game against California University of Pa., SU outscored opponents 23–16.
Raider forward Brooke Clippinger leads the Raiders with four goals, followed by Kate Zech and Casey Rightmyer who both have recorded three goals each.
SU goalkeeper Shelbie Rackley has been dominate in goal for the Raiders. In 1,821 minutes of play Rackley has recorded nine shutouts and only allowed 16 goals through 18 games played.
The senior goalkeepers 0.84 goals-against average ranks her 43rd in all of Division II.
In the Raiders’ first matchup with the Fighting Scots SU dropped a hard fought 3–0 match. SU then took on EU in the PSAC quarterfinals and won a dramatic game in overtime penalty kicks with the Raiders edging the Fighting Scotts 4–3.
SU now looks to capture the rubber match between EU and win its first-ever NCAA playoff game when they travel to James Egil Field. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
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