Shippensburg University field hockey has been named as the top Division II team in the nation this week, and deservedly so.

The team has been on fire since a one-game stumble against the defending Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) champions and national champion, East Stroudsburg University, nearly a month ago.

The last time Shippensburg held the No. 1 spot in the Division II field hockey Coaches Poll was 2013, Shippensburg’s championship year. But could this SU team take the PSAC this season? If history is in anyway indicative of the future, Shippensburg has a real shot this season to make its mark.

The momentum has been almost tangible for the team this year. SU has grown closer and become stronger with each win, which should be terrifying for other PSAC teams if the Raiders continue to improve. Its eight-game win-streak is more than double any other team’s current success rate.

Shippensburg has built its success this season on a team-first game. This team is no one-player show. Strong team defense has built the foundation of the group, with a new face contributing each game to propel SU to victory. Seven different players have scored game-winning goals. Each and every member of the team is vitally important to Shippensburg’s torrid start.

Shippensburg’s veteran defensive core has been nearly impenetrable this season, shutting out 11 of its 14 opponents in regulation. Goaltender Ally Mooney leads the league in goal against average (GAA) and save percentage, with an astounding .935 percent.

The Raiders have had a flair for the dramatic this season as well. Its past two games have been decided, both victories, in the last minute of regulation.

SU has just four games left in the regular season to continue improving and solidifying its place among the elites. After being named as the nation’s top team, Shippensburg was tasked with taking on the No. 3 ranked team and PSAC rival Millersville University.

Shippensburg’s true test comes Saturday with a game against East Stroudsburg University, which has been the only team to humble the Raiders so far this season.

SU’s 13–1 record sits atop the PSAC, and the recent win over Millersville will provide SU with some breathing room should this group stumble over the next week.  

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