INDIANA, Pa. – It was wet, it was windy and perseverance was the key for the IUP field hockey team Sunday afternoon at George P. Miller Stadium.
Battling through difficult conditions as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias moved across much of Western Pennsylvania, the Crimson Hawks struck twice in a three-minute span during the second quarter and held on for a 2-1 PSAC victory over Millersville.
The win marked IUP's second victory over Millersville this season and improved the Crimson Hawks to 7-2 overall and 1-1 in PSAC play.
After a scoreless opening quarter, IUP broke through in the 22nd minute. Lilly Fringer stepped up for a penalty stroke and converted the opportunity to give the Crimson Hawks a 1-0 advantage.
IUP wasted little time adding to the lead.
Less than three minutes later, the Crimson Hawks generated another scoring opportunity off a penalty corner. Sydney Schmouder initiated the play off of a penalty corner. Grace McGeehan sent a shot from the wing that found that cage off a defelction.
The two quick goals proved to be enough as IUP controlled much of the action throughout the afternoon.
The Crimson Hawks outshot Millersville 9-3, placing six of their nine attempts on goal. IUP also generated eight penalty corners compared to three for the Marauders.
Five of IUP's penalty corners came in the opening half as the Crimson Hawks consistently applied pressure despite the difficult playing conditions.
IUP's defense was equally effective at the other end. Millersville generated two penalty corners during the first half but was held without another until late in the fourth quarter.
The Marauders made one final push in the closing moments, scoring with 40 seconds remaining to trim IUP's advantage to 2-1.
The Crimson Hawks responded by maintaining possession over the final seconds, preventing Millersville from generating another opportunity and securing the conference victory.
IUP now heads on the road for a pair of PSAC matchups. The Crimson Hawks travel to Shippensburg on Wednesday, Oct. 14, before visiting Bloomsburg on Saturday, Oct. 17. Both teams enter the week with 2-1 conference records, sitting third and fourth in the PSAC standings.
