SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – The No. 3 Shippensburg University field hockey team did what two of its Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) cohorts could not on Saturday and did so in convincing fashion by toppling No. 4 Assumption in a Top-5 matchup at Robb Sports Complex, 3-1.
 
The Raiders (4-0) netted a pair of goals from Redshirt-sophomore Alexa Michielsen and a fourth-quarter insurance tally from senior Valu Paul to defeat the Greyhounds (2-1), who have posted victories at No. #2 East Stroudsburg and at #6 West Chester already this season.
 
Shippensburg put its foot on the gas pedal offensively against their NE-10 opposition, posting an 18-to-6 advantage in shots and an 8-to-4 margin in penalty corners.
 
Both of Michielsen's goals were the result of well-worked Shippensburg penalty corners. The first came off a feed from senior Yasmin De Meyer just under three minutes before halftime.
 
Shippensburg maintained its momentum thanks to redshirt-junior goalkeeper Emma Albee, who made a diving stop to deny a penalty stroke attempt from Assumption's Nova Rijks mere moments later, allowing the hosts to maintain their advantage at the half.
 
After a third-quarter tally from the Greyhounds' Elle Murray – SU's first goal allowed all season – Michielsen responded with her second goal of the contest and her third overall this season.
 
Michielsen ripped a penalty corner insert from freshman Emily Bitters into the cage to wrestle back the lead with 1:29 left in the frame.
 
A tremendous solo effort from Paul provided SU with the winning margin. The senior forward deftly dribbled into the circle before unleashing a howitzer that sealed the Raider victory.
 
The Ship defense, led by junior Savannah Silvestre, made certain that the goals would stand, successfully stifling the Greyhounds over the course of the final eight minutes.
 
Albee finished with three saves in the Raider goal.
 
Assumption goalie Paige Gillette was credited with six saves.
 
Next up for the Raiders is another Top-5 opponent, as they hit the road to battle No. 1 Kutztown in a nonconference clash Wednesday at 3 p.m.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shippensburg University Hockey (@shipfieldhockey)