Shippensburg University’s No. 2 nationally ranked field hockey team improved to 6-0 this season, defeating No. 1 Kutztown, the reigning NCAA Division II champions, 2-0 on Wednesday before overpowering Slippery Rock 10-1 on Saturday.
The week kicked off with a highly anticipated road match against Kutztown, showcasing the top two teams in Division II. The first quarter ended scoreless, but senior Nya Gilchrist broke the deadlock with a goal assisted by junior Agus Garibaldi, putting SU ahead 1-0.
The Raiders maintained their lead into the fourth quarter, where Garibaldi secured her fifth goal of the season, finalizing the score at 2-0. Shippensburg outshot Kutztown 9-5, and their defense limited the Bears to just three shots on goal, all of which were saved by redshirt junior goalkeeper Emma Albee. This victory is likely to secure Shippensburg the No. 1 spot in the upcoming coaches’ poll.
In their next match at home, the Raiders dominated Slippery Rock, outshooting them 36-4 en route to a decisive 10-1 victory. Seven different players scored, and every member of the roster saw game action.
The scoring began quickly, with Garibaldi netting a goal just 3:05 into the match, assisted by senior Emilia Conners. Senior Valu Paul added her second goal of the season later in the first quarter, bringing the score to 2-0.
In the second quarter, senior Yasmin De Meyer scored her first goal of the season, followed by junior Lilly Cantabene, who made it 4-0 by halftime.
The Raiders continued their offensive surge in the third quarter, starting with freshman Anne Garder scoring with an assist from Garibaldi. Freshman Avery Austin then netted her first collegiate goal, followed by Garibaldi’s second of the match and a goal from sophomore McKenna Boyle, extending the lead to 8-0.
In the fourth quarter, Paul scored her third goal of the season, and Garder capped off the scoring with another goal with just 30 seconds remaining. This marked the first time the Raiders reached double digits this season.
Shippensburg field hockey has only one game scheduled for the upcoming week: a home matchup against Bloomsburg at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Robb Sports Complex. This game will kick off their nine-game conference schedule.
