INDIANA, PA – In what would be a defensive battle all night long, the IUP field hockey team fell to rival Slippery Rock 1-0 in overtime on Saturday night at Miller Stadium.
 
The goal came with 5:28 to play in overtime, as SRU's Michelle Crouch picked up a loose ball at midfield and raced down the left side, beating IUP's Darian Shuker (Reading, Pa./Exeter ) for the game-winner.
 
The loss came on Senior Night for the Crimson Hawks, who fall to 6-8 overall and 4-7 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. With three games left to play, they're now two-and-a-half games behind Kutztown and Mercyhurst for the final conference postseason spot.
 
There were just 14 total shots on the night, including six in the opening half. Both teams took turns controlling the ball, but each defense stepped up, limiting shot attempts and clearing most attempts.
 
IUP goalkeeper Darian Shuker (Reading, Pa./Exeter ) had six saves on the night, including four in the final 4:23 of the second half to help send the game to overtime.
 
The Crimson Hawks hit the road for the final three games of the regular season, traveling to East Stroudsburg, Bloomsburg and Millersville.