It took 20 years, but the Shippensburg Women’s soccer team finally made the NCAA Tournament playoffs after an impressive 2013 season.
The Lady Raiders hope to build off of their record-breaking campaign in which they not only made the playoffs but also won their first playoff appearance, a 2-1 victory over Slippery Rock.
The team returns 19 players from 2013, and their success this past year has brought some new faces to the squad.
Twelve new players have joined the team, including recruits at every position including goalkeeper.
Notable returning senior players include forward Brooke Clippinger, midfielder Carolyn Smith, and defenders Alyssa House, Rachel Friend and Mackenzie Neal.
In the PSAC Preseason Coaches Poll last year Shippensburg was ranked ninth, and went on to pick up a first round playoff victory. This year they have been ranked seventh, ahead of Bloomsburg and IUP, but two positions back from Edinboro against whom they went 1-1-1 in 2013.
The 2013 PSAC Coach of the Year, Rob Fulton, begins his ninth season with the Lady Raiders. He is excited to coach a group of new players, as well as to see the development of some of his returning stars.
“The new recruiting class will join a very impactful returning senior class who are anxious to build on their first NCAA Tournament appearance,” Fulton said in an S.U. sports release this summer. “The senior class has worked hard to establish a winning culture and they are eager to welcome the incoming very talented 2014 class.”
Ship’s first game is at home on David See Field on Thursday, September 4 at 4 p.m.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.