Shippensburg University women’s field hockey put on a show in its home opener, dominating Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) opponent Mansfield University, 5-0.

SU had a myriad of contributors, with seven different players finding the score sheet. Junior Emily Barnard struck first for the Raiders just four minutes into the game. As it turned out, Barnard’s goal — her first of the game and second on the season — ended up being enough to secure the victory for the Raiders.

Senior Katelyn Grazan added her first of the game just six minutes later, while SU continued to keep its foot on the gas pedal.

“I think we wanted to start out with a lot of intensity. We wanted to prove to our conference teams and ourselves that we can play this game hard and fast,” said head coach Bertie Landes.

Landes’ pregame sentiments echoed through the team, as they pummeled Mansfield with shots, throwing a total of 24 at the net. But perhaps the team’s defensive play has been even more impressive than its offensive totals.

Through four games this season, SU has only surrendered one goal. Mansfield only had a total of three shots throughout the game, which is a season best for SU.

“I’ve got a very experienced squad of seniors in the back field. I’ve got a freshman starting there and she’s doing phenomenal,” Landes said.

During the course of the game, SU wingers found tremendous success driving the ball out wide against Mansfield and using their speed and skill to advance the ball to players crashing the net. That seemed to be a strategy coach Landes shared with the team before the game.

“We try to keep the ball wide, put it back, [and] put it wide again on the other side. It’s a great strategy in the game of field hockey,” coach Landes said. Katelyn Grazan and Noelle Kephart added two more goals, giving both their fourth goals of the season in the second half..

SU will look to continue its win streak as they take on Indiana University of Pennsylvania Wednesday, in what should be a tightly contested matchup.

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