The Shippensburg University women's soccer team fell to nationally ranked Kutztown, 2-1, in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division matchup Saturday afternoon at Keystone Field.
 
The Raiders (1-4-0, 1-2-0 PSAC East) defended well against a strong Kutztown offense, staying within striking distance despite 21-2 and 12-1 deficits in shots and corners respectively. Shippensburg only recorded two shots during the match, but both were shots on goal, with one resulting in a tally for Shippensburg.
 
The first half was a defensive battle between the Raiders and the Golden Bears, with neither team finding the net. Senior Kendra Barlow played a big part in slowing Kutztown's offense, recording five saves in the first half, and six total for the game.
 
Kutztown (5-0-1, 4-0-0 PSAC East) scored first, with Katelyn Economopoulos scoring off a rebound from a Barlow save in the 52nd minute. Caroline McDonald had the initial shot, which was blocked by Barlow and rebounded right to Economopoulos, who sent it into a wide-open net.
 
Shippensburg answered in the 82nd minute, after graduate Alexis Worley won the ball in the midfield which ignited a Raider counterattack. She would pass up to graduate Skylar Lambert, who converted inside the 18-yard box with a left-footed finish.
 
Kutztown responded almost a minute later, when Barlow deflected a Kutztown cross that fell right to the feet of Ella Holmes, who tapped it in the left side of the net for the go-ahead score. The Golden Bears would stave off Shippensburg for the final seven minutes of the match.
 
The Raiders will be back in action Wednesday when they travel for a matchup against Shepherd University. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m.