The Shippensburg University lacrosse team dropped a 17-9 decision at No. 11 West Chester on a soggy Saturday afternoon as it wrapped up its regular season with a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) clash at Vonnie Gros Field.
Shippensburg (7-10, 4-8 PSAC East) hung with West Chester (14-3, 10-2) for the opening nine minutes, as the score was 2-1 in favor of the hosts. WCU closed the first quarter on a 4-0 run and had a 9-4 halftime lead.
Despite trailing at the break, it was a competitive first half for the Raiders – who out-paced the Golden Rams in shots on goal by a 14-to-10 margin and committed five fewer turnovers (six by SU, 11 by WCU).
Ali Pioli delivered her second straight hat trick, finishing with three goals and an assist. It was Pioli's fifth hat trick of her career.
Grace DeMarzio became the third player in school history to reach 100 career caused turnovers late in the first quarter. DeMarzio and Pioli each tied for the team high Saturday with three draw controls and three groundballs.
Shawn Coombs and DeMarzio each had a team-high two caused turnovers.
Brynn Hauck and
Maddie Phommachanh each found the back of the net twice; Hauck added an assist. It was Phommachanh's team-leading 12th multi-goal game of the season and the ninth such this season for Hauck.
Olivia Glinski had a goal and two assists along with two groundballs.
Alexa Bailey converted an eight-meter attempt for a goal.
Izzy Sawicki and
Leah Cramer combined for six saves in goal. Cramer made four saves while patrolling the cage in the fourth quarter.
Shippensburg will travel to No. 7 Slippery Rock at 4 p.m. Tuesday for a PSAC Quarterfinal at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.
It will be the first playoff appearance for the Raiders since Naomi Radio guided the 2007 squad to the PSAC quarterfinals.
