While it has not been the season that the Shippensburg University women’s soccer team was hoping for, the Raiders found a reason for optimism on Saturday as the Raiders (6-10-1, 5-10 PSAC) used a goal in the 79th minute to down visiting Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) opponent Mercyhurst University, 2-1, at David See Field.

SU sophomore Izzy Weigel wasted little time answering a Laker goal scored off the head of freshman Emma Scali, finding the back of the net after a corner by midfielder Kiersten Priest. The goal was Weigel’s ninth of the season, and it was enough for the Raiders to come out on top.

The game was knotted at zero through the game’s first 29 minutes, until SU freshman Taylor Moore found the back of the net off an assist from Mariah Varner in the 30th minute.

The match slowed to a standstill until the Lakers (4-8-4, 3-8-3 PSAC) got on the board with Scali’s goal, the first of her career, which came off a cross from Maya Bauer in the 75th minute to tie the game at one apiece. 

The Raiders then summoned some magic, grabbing the game-winning goal off the foot of Weigel. Weigel’s nine goals this season ranks her sixth in the PSAC in goals. She is also ninth in the PSAC in points. 

The Raiders controlled most of the game, limiting Mercyhurst’s scoring opportunities to a minimum. The Raiders smothered the Lakers on defense, allowing just 10 shots in the game, with just five of those shots ending up on goal. SU had 12 shots in the contest, six of which were on goal. 

Both teams had their chances, however, as both teams each had five corners, but SU was the only team able to capitalize on a corner. SU freshman goalkeeper Delaney Shifflett played all 90 minutes and made four saves in the victory.

With their slow start to the season, the Raiders failed to qualify for a PSAC playoff spot, so the team will play its final game of the season on Saturday Oct. 28 against Slippery Rock University. The game will be Senior Day for the 2017 squad.

SU will honor seniors Bailey Bzdak, Kat Hartner, Kayla Kennedy, Mallory Patterson, Sofia Perzan and Anna Snee before the game. The game is set to begin at 3:30 p.m.

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