It was senior day when the Shippensburg University women’s soccer team took on its Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) rival Clarion University at David See Field, but the hero of the match was a freshman.

SU’s Paige Harris scored two goals in the last 15 minutes of Saturday’s game to secure a 2–1 victory and send the Raider’s seniors out in style.

Clarion drew first blood with a goal in the 11th minute from Aaliyah Odom. It was the only shot on goal of the game for the Golden Eagles.

Odom’s goal remained the only score for the next 65 minutes of game action, but then Harris got to work.

Harris found herself in the right place at the right time in the 76th minute, when the ball ended up on her foot after a rebound from sophomore Tori Mills’ shot. Harris wasted no time stuffing the rebound home, and just like that, the game was notched, 1–1.

Just 12 minutes later, SU senior Stephanie Allshouse was awarded a free kick and sent the ball into the box. Harris was ready once again, and converted the goal to give the Raiders their first lead of the game, 2–1.

SU was able to lock down the Clarion offense for the remaining two minutes of the game to afford junior goalkeeper Kayla Kennedy her second win of the season. Kennedy relieved junior Leah Roy at halftime and faced zero shots in her 45 minutes of game action.

Though the game was tight down the stretch, the Raiders dominated in most statistical categories. SU had the edge in shots on goal, 8–1, total shots, 16–7, and corner kicks, 5–1. The Raiders also played a cleaner game than the Golden Eagles, registering just 12 fouls compared to Clarion’s 20.

Before Saturday’s emotional win, the Raiders held a ceremony to celebrate senior day. Seniors Allshouse, Jenna Brown, Sharon Juarez, Casey Rightmyer and Ashley Weaver were all recognized.

The women’s soccer team will be back in action next Saturday at Mansfield University. The game is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. 

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