The Shippensburg University lacrosse team nearly climbed all the back from a 10-1 halftime deficit on Saturday as it dropped a rollercoaster Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division clash at No. 17 Kutztown, 12-9.
Shippensburg (4-3, 1-1 PSAC East) scored seven of the first eight goals after halftime, cutting the Golden Bear nine-goal advantage down to just three on two different occasions. The Raiders outscored KU 8-2 overall in the second half.
Kutztown (5-2, 1-1), coming off a 16-6 midweek loss to No. 10 East Stroudsburg, took out its frustration on the Raiders at the start, outscoring the Raiders 6-0 in the opening quarter and netting the game's first eight goals.
Brynn Hauck finally was able to stem the tide with a free-position goal with 4:18 remaining in the opening half, but the Golden Bears scored twice more in the final minute of the half to extend their lead to nine at the break, 10-1.
The Raiders held the Golden Bears scoreless in the third quarter, while their four goals provided some momentum entering the final 15 minutes down 10-5.
Shippensburg continued the run by scoring three of the first four goals in the fourth, including back-to-back tallies by
Maddie Phommachanh to get the Raiders within three, 11-8, with still 7:57 remaining.
KU's Maddie Wenner found the net for her third goal at a key moment, aiding the hosts as they attempted to hold off the Raider charge with 4:04 left on the clock.
Hauck then completed a hat trick with a free-position goal with 32 seconds left resulting in the 12-9 final score.
Hauck's three goals give her a team-best 20 on the season. She also added an assist.
Phommachanh finished with three points (two goals, one assist) and matched a team-high with three groundballs and two caused turnovers.
Ali Pioli also scored twice and registered three draw controls.
Lexi Koz and
Shannon Wood also scored for SU. Koz also recorded a career-high three groundballs.
Grace DeMarzio contributed a team-high six draw controls and three groundballs defensively.
SU goalie
Izzy Sawicki made a season-high 12 saves.
KU's Alexis Plesic contributed three points (two goals, one assist) and a game-high four caused turnovers.
Shippensburg returns to action Saturday when its hosts nationally-ranked East Stroudsburg at noon at Robb Sports Complex.
