BELMONT, N.C. - Belmont Abbey scored six first half goals to take a five-goal lead into halftime which proved to be the difference as the No. 10-ranked Crusaders handed Shippensburg its second loss in as many games this season, 12-7 Thursday afternoon. The loss was also the Lady Raiders' second against a top-10 team.

Belmont Abbey (5-3) led 6-1 at halftime after holding a 23-7 edge in shots in the first half and forcing 11 turnovers. As a team, the Lady Raiders totaled 21 turnovers and were on the short end of a 40-25 edge in ground balls.

The Crusaders scored the first six goals of the game to take a 6-0 lead, holding Shippensburg scoreless until senior Kelly Smith scored her first goal of the season, assisted by senior Brita Paul with 4:14 left.

Despite Belmont Abbey's large advantage in shots, the Lady Raiders (0-2) were able to stay within five goals at the half thanks to the play in goal of sophomore Brooke Miller who stopped 12 of the Crusaders' 18 shots on goal, including seven of eight free position attempts.

Miller finished the game with 20 saves which were the most by a Lady Raider since sophomore Lauren Marron made 20 in her debut at Shippensburg in last season's opener at Indiana (Pa.) on Mar. 21, 2007.

The Lady Raiders opened the second half by scoring five of the first seven goals to pull within two, 8-6 with 9:24 remaining after the second goal of the game from sophomore Liz DiNunno.

Each team would then exchange goals just 33 seconds apart to keep the deficit at two before Belmont Abbey scored the game's final three over the final six-plus minutes to seal its third win in the last four games.

Paul finished with two goals and one assist to lead Shippensburg in scoring for the second-straight game while sophomore Gayle Kuntzmann had one goal, four ground balls, three draw controls and two caused turnovers.

The Lady Raiders will return home from their two-game trip to North Carolina to prepare for their PSAC opener at Millersville next Wednesday. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.