INDIANA, Pa. – Sophomore Kasey Rieger scored twice in the opening half as the No. 4-seeded IUP field hockey team defeated No. 5-seeded Bloomsburg, 2-1, Tuesday afternoon at George P. Miller Stadium, advancing to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Tournament semifinals.
The Crimson Hawks (13-5) earned their 13th victory of the season under first-year head coach Stephen Hamill, continuing the program's most successful campaign since 2012. IUP also secured its second victory over Bloomsburg this season after defeating the Huskies, 1-0, on the road Oct. 17.
Playing their first home PSAC Tournament game since 2012, the Crimson Hawks wasted little time establishing an advantage.
Rieger opened the scoring just 2:53 into the contest, finding the back of the cage to give IUP an early 1-0 lead. The sophomore struck again less than three minutes into the second quarter, scoring at the 17:47 mark to double the Crimson Hawks' advantage.
The two-goal performance brought Rieger's season total to 15, extending her team lead and providing IUP with a commanding advantage entering halftime.
Bloomsburg (12-6) responded almost immediately after the break. Just 39 seconds into the third quarter, Alyxandra Flick scored off an assist from Alexandra Bliss to cut the Crimson Hawks' lead to 2-1.
The Huskies increased their offensive pressure in the third quarter, recording five shots and two penalty corners. IUP matched Bloomsburg with five shots in the period, but neither team was able to find the back of the cage again.
With a one-goal advantage entering the fourth quarter, the Crimson Hawks relied on their defensive effort to preserve the victory. Bloomsburg managed two shots over the final 15 minutes, but IUP held firm to secure its place in the conference semifinals.
IUP finished with a 13-10 advantage in total shots, including a 7-5 edge in shots on goal. The Crimson Hawks also held a 4-3 advantage in penalty corners.
Senior goalkeeper Celeste Pagliaroli recorded four saves in the victory, while Bloomsburg goalkeeper Molly Bross finished with five.
The win marked another milestone for the Crimson Hawks, who have recorded their most victories in a season since winning 14 games in 2012.
IUP will now turn its attention to top-seeded Shippensburg in the PSAC semifinals Friday. The Raiders will host the remainder of the conference tournament, with the championship scheduled for Sunday.
