After improving to 4–0 for the first time since 2004 with a thrilling 10–9 overtime win against Findlay University, the Shippensburg University women’s lacrosse team fell in its Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) opener, 8–4, to rival Bloomsburg University on Saturday.
On a cool and foggy afternoon at SU’s Robb Sports Complex, the Raiders put forth a strong defensive effort throughout the contest by forcing the visiting Huskies into 17 caused turnovers, but were unable to gain enough momentum, offensively, to come away with a win.
The Raiders got 20 shots off, but were only able to find the back of the net four times. Bloomsburg goalkeeper Angela DiPasquale was fantastic for the Huskies, recording 11 saves in the game.
The Raiders got the game started with a goal off the stick of Morgan Stone less than five minutes into the contest, but the Huskies responded with five consecutive goals. All five of the goals were scored by a different player.
Despite an early 5–1 deficit, the Raiders fought hard and got a last-second goal in the first half by Jordan Kengor, her fifth of the season, to bring SU within three at the break.
Unfortunately for Shippensburg, the second half provided more of the same as the Huskies scored three goals in the second half while the Raiders only found the back of the net twice. The Raiders got second-half goals from Allison Fugate, her 11th of the season, and Ali Harclerode, her eighth of the season, in the loss.
Defensively, the Raiders were strong, with freshman goalkeeper Laney Ballard putting together a strong performance with a career-high eight saves. Alongside Ballard, Mackenzie Magnotta was solid defensively, totaling a career-high six caused turnovers while adding five groundballs.
For SU, Valerie Hertz caused five turnovers and currently leads the team with 18 caused turnovers through five games. Annemarie Cericola registered four groundballs and two caused turnovers in the loss.
The Raiders held Bloomsburg scoreless in the final eight minutes, but were unable to find the back of the net to draw any closer.
The loss was the first for the Raiders under head coach Nicole Miller in her first season. SU recently was recognized for its strong start with an appearance in the Nike/US Lacrosse Magazine Division II Women’s Lacrosse Rankings, slotting in at 17th in the country.
The Raiders, 4–1, 0–1 PSAC, will resume PSAC play Tuesday with a matchup against Kutztown University. The opening draw is set for 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.