The Shippensburg University field hockey team’s regular season came to a close with a dramatic, triple overtime shootout win against No. 6 Bloomsburg University, 1–0, on Saturday.
Time after time this season, Shippensburg has been in grueling matches, but the team always manages to find a way. This week’s hero is midfielder Kylie Huffman, who netted the shootout winner.
The first 35 minutes were neck-and-neck, with neither team able to gain an advantage on the scoreboard. Goaltender Ally Mooney was a rock for the Raiders, turning away four Huskies’ shots. SU created four of its own chances, but was not able to convert.
Entering the second half, the momentum for the Raiders began to build, as they threw shot after shot toward Bloomsburg’s net. Shippensburg was unable to cash in. The Raiders racked up 22 shots, but the Huskies’ goalie would not be beaten.
The story was the same throughout the overtime period, as SU held a 10–3 edge in overtime shots.
The game was decided on Kylie Huffman’s stick as she was the only Raider who managed to slip the ball past Bloomsburg’s goalie in the shootout.
Mooney ends the season with 12 shutouts, the best number in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).
In just her sophomore season, Mooney led all goalies in nearly every major goaltending category, including saves, goals against average and shutouts. Both the Raiders and the Huskies have clinched PSAC berths.
Shippensburg will enter the playoffs with the top record at 16–2, with a 9–1 record in the PSAC.
The PSAC playoffs commence Friday, Nov. 4, for the Raiders, at East Stroudsburg University. SU will face off against the winner of an Indiana University of Pennsylvania and West Chester University matchup.
The Raiders beat both teams in the 2016 regular season.
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