SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – Junior Seth Crabbe posted a hat trick to lead the Shippensburg University men's soccer team to a 3-0 win over Slippery Rock in its season opener.
 
Shippensburg (1-0) struck first in the 26th minute when Crabbe dribbled around the Slippery Rock defense and snuck the ball into the left corner for the Raiders' first goal of the season.
 
SU continued its strong offensive showing in the second half with two more goals from the right foot of Crabbe. In the 54th minute, sophomore Nathan Weldon stole the ball at midfield before launching a pass into the box for Crabbe, who then potted his second of the day.
 
Twelve minutes later, senior Harry Kershaw forced a turnover on a slide tackle and dribbled through three Rock defenders before sending the ball over to Crabbe, who fired the pass into the net to complete his hat trick.
 
Sophomore Cody Willoughby made three saves in his first collegiate shutout, including a save on a one-touch shot by Arturo Pal Hernandis early in the second half that would have tied the match.
 
SU finished with a 15-3 advantage in shots on goal and an 8-2 advantage in corners.
 
Crabbe's hat trick is the first by a Raider since Patrick Luebben scored three goals against Lock Haven on Sept. 24, 2017.
 
The Raiders return to action at 2:30 on Saturday against Jefferson. The game will be at The Proving Grounds in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.