The Shippensburg University women's soccer team could not keep pace with No. 12 California on Thursday afternoon, dropping its 2014 season opener to the Vulcans, 5-2 in a PSAC contest from David See Field.
 
The Raiders (0-1, 0-1 PSAC) allowed two goals in the first 20 minutes of action and took just one shot before taking a 2-0 deficit into the locker room at half while Cal (1-0, 1-0 PSAC) was led offensively with two goals by senior Haley Henderson and two assists from senior Erin Hogan. Junior Janelle McCann notched one goal on three shots.
 
SU increased its offensive pressure in the second half, tallying five shots and taking two corners.
 
In the 76th minute, freshman Jenny Litz ripped a shot from the top left side of the box into the bottom right corner of the goal to get the Raiders on the board. Eight minutes later, freshman Kat Hartner buried a well-struck cross from senior Rachel Friend to net SU's second goal.
 
Sophomore Ashley Weaver and seniors Brooke Clippinger and Carolyn Smith each took one shot while redshirt-freshman goalkeeper Victoria Bremer recorded four saves in her collegiate debut.
 
SU returns to action Saturday at 1 p.m. when it squares off with No.7-Ranked Slippery Rock on the road from James Egli Field.