The Shippensburg University women’s soccer team continued its strong start to the season by defeating Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) rival Edinboro 4-2 on Saturday afternoon in Edinboro.
Junior Izzy Weigel continues to turn heads to start the season. Weigel has picked up right where she left off last season by scoring two goals in the win over Edinboro. She has tallied three goals in two games so far in 2018, making her one of the top candidates to be named the Raider of the Week.
Weigel, in her first season at SU, took over and led the team in goals, points, shots and shots on goal in 2017. She was rewarded for her efforts by making the All-PSAC third team last season. However, Weigel is looking for more than just individual success this season.
For a team that has lacked much scoring prowess throughout the past couple of seasons, the Raiders seem to have found a leader on the field in the form of the junior Izzy Weigel.
SU dominated the first half on Saturday, getting out to a 3-0 advantage that they would hold onto for the entirety of the game. The scoring began midway through the first half when Weigel put home a corner kick. Shippensburg effectively gained momentum and put two more goals up on the board within the next 12 minutes of the half.
Freshman K.K. O’Donnell had a great game distributing the ball on Saturday, totaling two assists while also putting up two shots on goal.
The Raiders didn’t need tremendous goalkeeping on Saturday, as the offense put up four goals on the board. Sophomore Delaney Shifflett did her part, making eight saves on 13 total shots (10 shots on goal), only allowing two goals to a potent Fighting Scots attack that scored more than 40 goals last season.
SU struggled last season, finishing 6-11-1 and outside of the PSAC playoff picture. The Raiders, armed with more experience for some of their top players, are looking to make drastic improvements in 2018. The new campaign is off to an impressive start, with two wins in the team’s first two matches. The play by goalkeeper Shifflett has improved so far this season and will be key if the Raiders can continue this early-season success.
Shippensburg (2-0) will look to continue their tremendous start to the season on Wednesday against PSAC rival Mansfield.
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