Field hockey grabs nationally ranked wins on charge toward playoffs

Following an impressive victory in a previous outing against No. 8-ranked Millersville University, the No. 5-ranked Shippensburg University field hockey team defeated Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) rival Bloomsburg University (No. 9) 2-0 on Saturday in Bloomsburg.

The game was close the whole way, but the Raiders used a great game in goal by redshirt-senior Ally Mooney, who made all four saves that came her way on Saturday afternoon. It was a rough day for the BU offense, which put up 18 shots but only had four on goal.

The Raiders tallied 11 shots — eight of which were on goal — in the win over the Huskies. The scoring began in the 22nd minute when freshman Jenna Sluymer got one past the Bloomsburg goalie to give SU a 1-0 lead. Sluymer worked hard on the play, battling to get position and then taking advantage of the rebound — hitting a Bloomsburg defender to put her own rebound in the back of the net.

Sluymer has put together a solid rookie season for the Raiders. She is currently second on the team in both goals scored (six) and points (18), while leading the team in assists with six.

In the 50th minute, the Raiders were able to add to their lead when freshman Adrienne McGarrigle took an excellent outlet pass from Sluymer and beat the Bloomsburg goalie to give SU some insurance.

Sluymer finished the game with a goal and an assist, as she proved to be one of the deciding differences in the impressive win.

Holding the lead in the second half was tough for SU, as the Huskies began swarming the Raiders in an attempt to get back in the game. The Huskies outshot the Raiders 11–2 in the second half, but the good effort in goal from Mooney prevented BU from capitalizing on any of its chances.

With a 10–3 record — 4–2 in the PSAC — the Raiders are just behind Mansfield University (8-5, 4-1 PSAC) for third place in the PSAC. At this point, it is looking like the Raiders are a lock to make the playoffs, with the only question being the seeding as the final weeks of the season play out.

The Raiders next take on Slippery Rock University (5-8, 0-5 PSAC) at home on Saturday.

The team will hopefully get a boost, as the 2013 NCAA Championship anniversary celebration will take place before the game. The matchup will kick off at 1 p.m. from David See Field.