SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – The No. 5 IUP field hockey team battled No. 2 Shippensburg through 80 minutes of scoreless action Friday afternoon before falling, 1-0, in double overtime of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Tournament semifinals at Robb Sports Complex.
The Crimson Hawks (13-6) saw their conference tournament run come to an end despite a remarkable defensive performance highlighted by senior goalkeeper Celeste Pagliaroli, who recorded a season-high 14 saves to keep IUP within striking distance throughout the contest.
Shippensburg (15-2) finally broke through at the 80-minute mark, with the deciding score officially credited as a team goal, ending a defensive battle that saw neither side find the cage through regulation and the first overtime period.
The loss ended IUP's first appearance in the PSAC semifinals since 2012, capping a conference tournament run that included a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Bloomsburg earlier in the week.
Under first-year head coach Stephen Hamill, the Crimson Hawks have put together their most successful season in more than a decade, recording 13 victories and reaching the conference's final four for the first time in 14 years.
Pagliaroli was the centerpiece of IUP's defensive effort, turning away 14 of Shippensburg's 15 shots on goal while playing all 80 minutes in the cage.
The Crimson Hawks held the Raiders scoreless throughout the opening half despite facing four shots and four penalty corners in the first quarter.
After a scoreless second quarter, Shippensburg increased its offensive pressure following halftime, recording nine shots and six penalty corners in the third period. Pagliaroli responded with five saves to keep the contest deadlocked.
The Raiders continued to press in the fourth quarter, firing 10 shots and earning eight penalty corners. Pagliaroli delivered seven more saves during the period, preserving the scoreless tie and forcing overtime.
IUP's defense held firm through the first overtime period, with Pagliaroli adding another save as the Crimson Hawks pushed the contest into a second extra session.
Shippensburg ultimately secured the victory with the deciding goal at the conclusion of the second overtime period.
The Raiders finished with a 25-4 advantage in shots, including a 15-2 edge in shots on goal. Shippensburg also held a 21-4 advantage in penalty corners.
Sophomore Kasey Rieger accounted for two of IUP's four shots, placing both attempts on goal. Junior Grace McGeehan and defender Amira Lux each added a shot for the Crimson Hawks.
Shippensburg goalkeeper Grace Meinke recorded two saves to earn the shutout. Elaina Fragassi led the Raiders with eight shots, while Hannah White added four shots, all on goal.
The matchup marked the third meeting between the programs this season, with all three contests going in favor of Shippensburg.
Despite Friday's result, IUP's 2026 campaign represents a significant step forward for the program. Picked eighth in the PSAC preseason coaches poll, the Crimson Hawks secured 13 victories, earned a home conference tournament game and advanced to the PSAC semifinals for the first time since 2012.
