WEST CHESTER, Pa. – The IUP field hockey team dropped a 1-0 decision to No. 3 West Chester in non-conference play in its 2016 season opener on Saturday afternoon at Vonnie Gros Field.

With the win the Golden Rams improve to 2-2 while the Crimson Hawks fall to 0-1.

The game remained scoreless through halftime as senior goalkeeper Alyssa Lerda (Wexford, Pa./Pine-Richland) made four saves while facing seven shots.
IUP had its best scoring chance come in the 51st minute when Brianna Lubarsky (Easton, Pa./Easton ) had her shot saved. Minutes later, West Chester scored the game-winning goal from Maya Gulliksen off a penalty corner from Kaitlin Hatch at the 56:39 mark.

Lerda made seven of the Crimson Hawks' eight saves while playing all 70 minutes. Gold Rams goalkeeper Sarah Krause earned the shutout while making one save in 70 minutes of action.

IUP resumes non-conference play when it travels to Seton Hill on Monday, Sept. 12 for a 4 p.m. contest.

For up-to-date game information, visit www.IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP field hockey on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPfieldhockey.