Box Score

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - The Shippensburg women's soccer team put forth a valiant effort against the No. 9-ranked Golden Rams of West Chester, holding a 1-0 lead in the second half on a penalty kick conversion from junior Gayle Kuntzmann before the visitors rallied and subsequently held on for a 2-1 victory over the Lady Raiders on Wednesday night at David See Field.

Shippensburg (8-4, 3-3 PSAC East) stayed kick for kick with the Golden Rams in the first half and maintained a strong offensive presence with several chances. Senior goalkeeper Beth Long was only required to make one save in the opening 45 minutes.

The Lady Raiders maintained their pressure to start the second half and came through for the first goal of the game in the 62nd minute. After a flurry of shots off a corner kick, a foul was called in the box and Kuntzmann capitalized on the penalty kick with her seventh goal of the season to give Shippensburg the lead.

West Chester (8-0-1, 6-0 PSAC East) became alert and stormed downfield just five minutes later to tie the score. After an offensive blitz, Golden Ram reserve Rita Alton tapped in a pitch-perfect cross from Samantha Paolino to tie the score at 1-1.

The constant pressure of sophomore Sarah Oswald proved to be too much in the second half, as she fired a long-range shot high into the upper ninety that gave West Chester the 2-1 lead in the 78th minute. For the game, Oswald fired nine shots, including four on goal, and generally wreaked havoc in the Lady Raider zone.

Despite the loss, Shippensburg remains in playoff contention with sole possession of fourth place. The team will look to rebound against a strong PSAC Western Division opponent in Edinboro on Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. from David See Field.