SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – IUP field hockey eventually broke through just over two minutes into overtime as sophomore
Jess Davidson converted a penalty stroke, securing a 1-0 shutout victory for the Crimson Hawks in the season opener against Belmont Abbey at Shippensburg's Robb Sports Complex.
IUP (1-0) held a 12-9 advantage in shots for the game and delivered when it mattered most. Named to the 2023 NFHCA DII Watchlist one day ago, Davidson began the 2023 season right where she left off a year ago, pushing IUP to victory with three shots on goal and the eventual game-winning tally.
Junior
Anita Planella made a pair of saves in her IUP debut, which included a penalty stroke chance in the third quarter. Meanwhile, sophomore
Roos van Herel and freshman
Aubree Dorsey registered three shots each for a new-look IUP lineup.
Neither side could find the scoreboard through regulation, both posting four shots in the initial 30 minutes. IUP had an early chance blocked off the stick of freshman
Julia Barto just over five minutes into the opening matchup of the season. From there, Dorsey ripped a pair of chances in succession, forcing Belmont Abbey (0-1) goalie Chloe Parker to make her lone save of the first half near the end of the opening quarter.
In the second quarter, IUP thwarted a pair of penalty corner chances from the Crusaders. The Crimson Hawks had one final opportunity near the end of the first half, but van Herel could not place her shot through traffic from the Belmont Abbey defense.
Planella came up large in the third quarter with a penalty stroke stop at the 37:21 mark of the contest. The timely save came just minutes after van Herel was denied following a defensive save by Sarah Schumacher.
IUP continued pressing forward in the third as
Lauren Horning and Davidson ripped chances from close range. The stout defense continued into the fourth quarter as Planella and the defense held Belmont Abbey in check.
Davidson and Dorsey each had chances for the Crimson Hawks in the overtime prior to the golden goal.
Up Next
IUP is back in action with a quick turnaround, facing Mount Olive at Shippensburg on Saturday, September 2 at 1:00 p.m.
Follow
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP field hockey on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPfieldhockey.
