The Shippensburg University women’s soccer team faced the fourth-seeded Bloomsburg Huskies on Saturday, Nov. 9, at David See Field in its last match of the season.

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the Raiders had travelled to play the first seed Shepherd Rams on their Senior Day, resulting in a 2-0 loss for the Raiders. With the momentum of their final match brewing, the first 14 minutes against the Huskies were extremely competitive as both teams aggressively challenged the opposing final third. 

Fifteen minutes into the first half, the Huskies served a free kick to the top of the Raiders’ box from around the center of the field where it was tipped off the head of Bloomsburg’s Brooke Foster. Landing in the box, the ball was chipped past goalkeeper Kirstin Brown and into the back of the net for the first goal of the game by Aubrey Hondros. 

The Raiders did not let this faze them as they continued fighting for the rest of the half but were unsuccessful to find a goal to even the scoreboard. They faced pressure from the Huskies for the remainder of the first half as well but were able to hold down the fort until halftime. 

Sophomore Mia Kemp said, “At halftime, we talked as a team and said that we have been in this position many times this season and have found a way to get on the board and tie it up, so we knew it was doable. We knew it was our last game, so we just wanted to leave it all out there and fight together to try and get a result.” 

The second half began, and the competition continued with both teams playing aggressive tactics. In the 13th minute of the half, the Raiders earned a corner kick. Junior Kaitlyn DiCandilo served the ball into the box just over the head and off the fingertips of the Bloomsburg goalkeeper. Kemp was crashing the box and got a solid hit on the ball to score a goal and even the game. 

This newfound energy was exactly what the Raiders needed. With an even game and only half an hour left, both teams knew they needed to fight for a game-winning goal. The Huskies berated the SU goal, but goalkeeper Kirstin Brown was able to make save after save to keep the score even, resulting in a new program record of 110 saves in one season for the Raiders. Both teams had opportunities at goal, but ultimately the game ended in a tie, a solid result against a highly ranked team. 

“Ship women’s soccer is more than just a student athletic team,” said senior Chloe Chipego. “We are a family of 32 people. My SUWS family means so much to me. We’ve been through the good times and the bad times. The women on this team will forever hold a special place in my heart. Our team balance and perseverance help us create opportunities when the game is on the line. During the season we have come back from being behind to win or tie the game, and to me is just shows how much drive, love and passion we all have for the game.”

Being the last game of several of these student-athletes’ careers, the emotions were high as the final whistle blew. Embracing each other, the Raiders’ seniors walked off the field of their final game. 

Senior Suzy Dietrich said, “Going into the game we really just wanted to compete and leave it all out on the field with it being the last game. As a team we wanted to go out and work together and have a showing that we could be proud of. I think we did a great job of staying positive and we walked away proud of our effort.”

Shippensburg women’s soccer finished even in ranking with Millersville in the PSAC East with a 5-6-5 record for the 2024 season. 

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