SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – The Shippensburg University women's soccer team took its first loss of the season Saturday, dropping a close 1-0 march to the IUP Crimson Hawks in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) matchup from David See Field.
 
Shippensburg (3-1, 2-1 PSAC) and IUP (3-1, 3-1) were even-matched statistically in the contest. Sophomore goalkeeper Delaney Shifflett and IUP goalkeeper Madeline Smakulski each made six saves, and the Crimson Hawks took a total of 14 shots while the Raiders tallied 11.
 
The difference-maker – the lone IUP goal – came in the 31st minute. Nikki Bowman centered a well-placed corner kick for Kallie Conte, who was able to head the ball past Shifflett.
 
Despite allowing the goal, SU was strong on the attack. The Raiders took a total of six shots, four of them on goal, and controlled the ball well in the first 45 minutes.
 
Though not shown on the score sheet, the Raider defense commendably handled a talented group of IUP forwards. Goal scorer Conte and teammate Mahogany Willis combined for a total of nine shots, but could have had many more chances if not for a hard-working Raider backfield. 
 
Senior Beth McGee and junior Izzy Weigel led the Raider offense with three shots each.
 
Next Match: Saturday, vs. Clarion, 1 p.m.