SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – The Shippensburg University field hockey team converted a 2-on-1 break in the second half Wednesday for the lone tally in a 1-0 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) victory over No. 1 East Stroudsburg on a sunny and pleasant afternoon at Robb Sports Complex.
 
Shippensburg (11-4, 5-3 PSAC), battling for a spot in the PSAC playoffs, scored its second victory over a nationally-ranked No. 1 team in as many years by limiting the scoring chances of East Stroudsburg (12-3, 7-1 PSAC). Senior Taylor Webster made seven saves – five in the first half – in recording her sixth shutout of the year.
 
SU's goal came about because of a clinical, cross-field pass by sophomore Kylie Huffman. Her entry reversed the field and went onto the stick of charging sophomore Emily Barnard, setting up the 2-on-1 opportunity. After a couple dribbles, Barnard sent a cross-crease pass to Grazan, whose running tip gave the Raiders the lead.
 
Wednesday's win was the third straight for the Raiders won by a 1-0 score. East Stroudsburg finished with a 12-8 advantage in shots on goal but needed to make three defensive saves throughout the game. SU nearly opened the scoring 10 minutes in, as a redirect from junior Cassie Rawa was cleared mere inches away from the end line.
 
SU moved into fifth place in the conference standings with two league matches remaining. The Raiders are currently tied with West Chester for fourth place, but the Golden Rams hold the tiebreaker by virtue of a head-to-head victory. Mercyhurst, who defeated the Raiders, is one spot behind along with Bloomsburg – SU's opponent in the final match of the regular season.
 
The Top 6 teams qualify for the PSAC Tournament. Millersville, East Stroudsburg and Kutztown have already clinched berths.
 
Shippensburg travels this weekend to Greensburg for a 12 p.m. Saturday match at Seton Hill.