The Shippensburg University field hockey team opened the scoring Tuesday at No. 4 West Chester but could not keep the Golden Rams out of the cage, falling 5-2 on a grey afternoon at Vonnie Gros Field.
 
Shippensburg (7-2, 2-1 PSAC) got two goals from junior Kendall Beck, the first to open the scoring at 8:31 of the first half, and the second with 18 minutes to play to get the Raiders within two goals of the lead.
 
Beck now has five goals this season; her first tally was assisted by sophomore Kylie Huffman and the second was assisted by freshman Megan Hart.
 
West Chester (7-2, 1-2 PSAC) erupted for four goals in an 18-minute stretch of play in the first half to build a 4-1 lead at halftime and ultimately stretched its lead to 5-2 with 12 minutes to play on the second goal of the game by Marnie Kusakavitch.
 
The offensive showing by WCU chased senior goalkeeper Taylor Webster midway through the first half; Webster yielded three goals and was credited with three saves.
 
Redshirt-freshman Catherine Matuszko made her second appearance of the season, entering with 10 minutes to play in the first half. Matuszko was credited with one save and allowed two goals over the final 45 minutes.
 
Shippensburg also had two goals disallowed in the contest. WCU defender Kristina Scherrer was credited with three defensive saves in the game.
 
Statistically, SU had a 15-14 advantage in shots and a 9-8 margin in penalty corners. WCU's keeper Brianna Magner, making her first collegiate start, made five saves.
 
Shippensburg returns to action at noon Saturday with a home match versus Mansfield at Robb Sports Complex.