An explosive first half gave Shippensburg University field hockey its first Pennsylvania State Athletic Association (PSAC) win of the season, defeating Mansfield University, 3-1.

SU fired 28 shots toward Mansfield’s goal in the first half alone, pushing the pace and continuing its offensive dominance it has displayed in recent play. The team was rewarded for its efforts, with senior Brooke Sheibley cashing in first. Sheibley’s fourth goal of the season came at a crucial time, with the team finally beginning to break down the Mounties’ defense.

Just minutes later, Sheibley connected with breakout freshman Jazmin Petrantonio, who buried the feed to give Shippensburg an insurance marker. Petrantonio leads all Division II players with 10 assists on the season.

To cap off the Raiders’ high-octane first half, Mary Spisak tallied her fourth of the season off apass from the team’s leading scorer, Emily Barnard. Spisak and Barnard led the charge for SU in shots, racking up 18 between the two.

Shippensburg’s forwards have been successful at finding the net on penalty corners this season, often pinging the ball around the top of the arc to find the perfect opportunity to pull the trigger. SU capitalized on three penalty corners in its previous game against Slippery Rock University, and the team’s 13-0 first-half advantage in penalty corners was vital to retaining pressure on the Mounties’ defense.  

As the Raiders sailed into the second half, the team sat confident in its play after a dominant first half. Goalie Ally Mooney was rarely called upon with the defense keeping the Mounties’attack at bay, facing just two shots in the first frame.

Mansfield was down but far from out, battling the Raiders until the end, creating some offense of its own. The Mounties managed to finally break through to score the only goal of the second half, forcing goaltender Ally Mooney to make five saves. Two Raiders were credited with defensive saves, including SU captain Kylie Huffman, who assisted on the team’s opening goal.

The shots drew nearly even in the second half, with SU holding the slight advantage, 13-12. Mansfield’s pressure was not enough, though, failing to convert on its limited opportunities. Shippensburg closed out the tilt to grab its fourth win in a row before taking on its toughest challenge of the season.

SU (6-1) now takes on the No. 1 seed in the country, East Stroudsburg University (8-1), in a game that is sure to rock the standings PSAC. The Raiders’ only loss in 2017 came at the hands of the Warriors earlier in the season. The Raiders face their toughest PSAC opponent yet at Robb Sports Complex Wednesday at 2 p.m.

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