Box Score

In the Press: Carlisle Sentinel

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – Sophomore Carolyn Smith headed home a cross from senior Katie Leverentz in the 99th minute of play Thursday to give the Shippensburg University women's soccer team a 2-1 overtime victory in its season opener over Charleston (W.Va.).

Shippensburg (1-0) consistently out-chanced the Golden Eagles on the evening, posting a 16-6 advantage in shots on goals, but did not cement the victory until Smith's decisive strike with less than 90 seconds remaining in the first overtime period. Leverentz took a connection feed from senior Molly Sanders and made a strong run up the far sideline before sending her dipping cross into the box for Smith to smoothly re-direct into the back of the net.

The Raiders opened the scoring in the 44th minute of play when freshman Olivia Snare took advantage of some space to produce her first career goal – sending a low shot that was partially blocked by the keeper's hands but still had enough momentum to trickle into the cage. Senior Rhonda Runion fed Snare on the play and had the assist.

Charleston (0-1) was buoyed by the play of goaltender Courtney Budd – a freshman making her collegiate debut for the Golden Eagles. Budd made 14 saves – including a point-blank stop of junior Rachel Hess in the first half – to help keep her team in the game.

The Golden Eagles took advantage of their lone breakaway to tie the score in the 72nd minute. Brittany Loveland cleanly deposited a long feed from Holly Bigg into the lower right portion of the net, past a diving junior Shelbie Rackley, to make the score 1-1. Rackley made five saves in the victory for the Raiders, including a key stop of a Rachel McCormick shot late in regulation.

Hess, Snare, Runion and junior Ashley Vellucci all had three shots on goal and were just a couple of the key contributors to the offensive attack. Vellucci led all players with seven total shots, while sophomore Brooke Clippinger nearly slid in a goal on a breakaway during the first half.

Shippensburg returns to action at noon Sunday with a home match against West Virginia Wesleyan. The Bobcats were voted atop the 2012 WVIAC preseason coaches poll.