SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – Junior Jazmin Petrantonio converted a penalty stroke three minutes into the third quarter that proved the difference on Saturday as the Shippensburg University field hockey team defeated IUP, 1-0, in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) matchup from Robb Sports Complex.
 
Shippensburg (10-5, 7-2 PSAC) recorded a 12-6 advantage in penalty corners and a 7-3 advantage in shots on goal, but the Petrantonio penalty stroke was the lone tally for either team.
 
IUP (7-8, 3-5) got five saves from Lexi Siano and a defensive save from Emma Wilhelm, while redshirt-sophomore Megan Lay made three saves for the Raiders in recording her fourth shutout of the year.
 
The victory clinched a berth in the PSAC Tournament for Shippensburg. Seeding is still to be determined. SU will be competing for a No. 3 or No. 4 seed, which earns the right to host a conference quarterfinal match on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
 
Before the match, SU held a ceremony to recognize its senior class: Autumn Beattie, Rosalia Cappadora, Mikayla Cheney, Megan Green, Megan Hart and Annie Megonnell.
 
Saturday marked a return to the field for Hart, who saw time in the fourth quarter at forward. She last played in a game for the Raiders as a sophomore in 2016. Hart was diagnosed in 2017 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. She was the recipient of the 2018 Jane Goss Perseverance Award for her courage, resilient spirit, and inspirational attitude.
 
Hart continues to undergo chemotherapy treatments, with her most recent occurring earlier this week. Her return to the field is an inspiration, and embodies what it means to be #HartStrong.
 
Shippensburg is on the road for its final two games of the regular season, beginning Wednesday at Frostburg State.