FROSTBURG, Md. – No. 5 IUP field hockey scored three unanswered goals in the second half to erase an early deficit and secure a 3-1 victory over Frostburg State on Tuesday afternoon at Bobcat Stadium.
The Crimson Hawks improved to 12-4 overall and 6-2 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play, while Frostburg State fell to 6-11 overall and 1-7 in conference action.
Senior Lauren Horning sparked the comeback with a third-quarter equalizer before Sydney Schmouder and Kasey Rieger each found the back of the cage in the fourth quarter to complete the victory.
Frostburg State opened the scoring just over four minutes into the contest when Mikyla Rineer converted off an assist from Morgan Sparks, giving the Bobcats an early 1-0 advantage.
Despite trailing at halftime, IUP controlled much of the offensive action, outshooting Frostburg State 6-2 through the opening 30 minutes. The Crimson Hawks continued to apply pressure after the break, recording 10 shots in the third quarter while holding the Bobcats without an attempt.
That pressure paid off in the 39th minute when Horning scored off an assist from senior Lucia Cisilino, leveling the contest at 1-1 with 6:26 remaining in the third quarter.
The Crimson Hawks continued their offensive surge into the final period, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 52nd minute. Schmouder delivered the go-ahead goal at the 51:35 mark, giving IUP its first lead of the afternoon.
Just three minutes later, Rieger added an insurance goal at 54:35 to extend the Crimson Hawks' advantage to 3-1 and put the finishing touches on the comeback victory.
IUP dominated the statistical battle, finishing with a 24-3 advantage in shots and a 13-3 edge in shots on goal. The Crimson Hawks also held a 6-2 advantage in penalty corners while limiting Frostburg State to just one shot over the final three quarters.
Horning led the offensive attack with five shots, while Lilly Fringer, Grace McGeehan and Kylee Hager each recorded four attempts. Rieger finished with three shots, putting all three on goal.
Senior goalkeeper Celeste Pagliaroli played all 60 minutes in cage, recording two saves to earn the victory.
The win marked IUP's 12th victory of the season and avenged an earlier shootout loss to Frostburg State on Sept. 26.
The Crimson Hawks will return home Friday to close the regular season against No. 2 Shippensburg at Miller Stadium. The nationally ranked PSAC matchup is scheduled for 3 p.m.
