Shippensburg University’s women’s soccer team fought to consecutive draws last week, keeping its postseason hopes alive in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division. 

The Raiders first held Millersville to a 1-1 tie on Wednesday, due to a last-minute free-kick goal, and followed it up with a 2-2 comeback against East Stroudsburg last Saturday.

In the Wednesday match against Millersville University at David See Field, Shippensburg (5-7-3, 5-5-3 PSAC East) fell behind early after Millersville’s Aalivia Wainwright scored in the 31st minute. 

The Raiders struggled to find scoring opportunities through most of the match but held off Millersville’s attacks with solid defensive play and five saves by sophomore goalkeeper Kirstin Brown. 

In the final minutes, however, the game took an unexpected turn. A Millersville red card set up freshman Ashton Gonzalez for a free-kick attempt in the last minute. She curved past the defense and into the top corner for her second collegiate goal, securing the 1-1 draw.

On Saturday, the Raiders traveled to East Stroudsburg University, where they faced another uphill battle, trailing 2-0 by the 84th minute. Junior Kaitlyn DiCandilo sparked the comeback, launching a free-kick goal to narrow the gap to 2-1. Moments later, a cross reached sophomore Ashley Hughes, who passed to freshman Lannah Werynski for an easy tap-in. 

The Raiders defense held off a last-second East Stroudsburg attack, securing another valuable point in the standings. Brown once again recorded five saves to aid SU’s defense.

With two games remaining, the Raiders sit in a tight race for the PSAC playoffs, tied with East Stroudsburg and within two points of Millersville and Bloomsburg. Only the top four teams from each division qualify for the tournament, intensifying the Raiders final push for a postseason spot.

The Raiders will head to Shepherd on Tuesday for their road finale, looking to capitalize on their recent resilience and continue their playoff quest.

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