KUTZTOWN, Pa. – No. 7 IUP faced its toughest test of the young season Saturday afternoon, battling top-ranked Kutztown in a matchup of two nationally ranked programs at Andre Reed Stadium.
The Crimson Hawks entered the contest with six victories through their first seven games before falling 4-0 to the undefeated Golden Bears in their PSAC opener.
Kutztown jumped out to an early advantage, scoring 23 seconds into the contest before adding two more goals in the opening quarter. The Crimson Hawks settled in defensively from there and kept the Golden Bears off the board for the remainder of the first half.
IUP continued to battle after halftime, generating opportunities against one of the nation's top defensive units. Kylee Hager and Alaina Tarnoci each put attempts on goal for the Crimson Hawks, while Kasey Rieger and Lauren Horning also recorded shots.
Kutztown added its final goal early in the third quarter, but IUP held the Golden Bears scoreless over the final 26-plus minutes.
Celeste Pagliaroli played the opening three quarters in the cage for IUP and made two saves. Freshman Kaelin Koehler took over in the fourth quarter and stopped the only shot on goal she faced.
IUP finished with four shots and generated five penalty corners against the nation's No. 1 team.
The setback moved the Crimson Hawks to 6-2 overall and 0-1 in PSAC play. Both of IUP's losses this season have come against nationally ranked opponents.
