SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – Strong defense and timely scoring helped the Shippensburg University field hockey team validate its No. 1 ranking in front of a sizable crowd on Saturday afternoon from Robb Sports Complex as the Lady Raiders scored twice in the second half to defeat No. 2 Bloomsburg, 3-1.

Shippensburg (6-0) got some early momentum with a nice goal by senior Amanda Strous just 2:20 into the contest. It was the sixth goal of the season for the York native, who capitalized off an assist by sophomore Ashley Taylor.

Bloomsburg (4-1) tied the score midway through the opening frame. Given a penalty stroke opportunity, Julia Rush sent a shot past replacement goaltender Carenna Neely to even the score at 1-1. The Huskies had 11 penalty corners in the contest, including three late in the first half, but never got a shot past SU starting goalkeeper Ciarra Delost.

Ashley Taylor continued her outstanding play during the second half and just 41 seconds into the frame she scored what proved to be the game-winning goal off an assist from junior Katie Pufnock. Eight minutes later, freshman Bre White scored to put Shippensburg up 3-1.

With staunch defense and excellent passing, SU maintained this advantage through the final whistle. Among the many second-half highlights was an excellent defensive save by senior Emily Fulton.

Shippensburg has now won three of the last five regular season meetings over Bloomsburg, the four-time defending national champions. In the midst of Parents and Family Day on campus, the Lady Raiders also celebrated the five-year anniversary of its 2005 PSAC Championship squad.

Partaking in the day's celebration were 13 members of that squad: Kelsi Balum, Gina Coombs, Natalie Faith, Casey Fritts, Danielle Haas, Kristen Houck, Eva Keller, Nora Luchansky, Kristen Miller, Allison Rutland, Stacy Schucker, Allison Shirley and Ashley Watt.

Shippensburg returns to PSAC Western Division play on Wednesday at 4 p.m. with a road match at IUP.