INDIANA, Pa. – The No. 5 IUP field hockey team closed out Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) regular-season play Friday afternoon, falling 2-0 to No. 2 Shippensburg at Miller Stadium.
The Crimson Hawks dropped to 6-3 in conference play, while the Raiders improved to 8-1 in the PSAC following a pair of second-half goals scored less than three minutes apart.
Friday's contest marked the second meeting between the nationally ranked programs this season. In their earlier nonconference matchup, IUP pushed Shippensburg to double overtime before the Raiders scored the game-winning goal with less than 30 seconds remaining in the second overtime period.
The two teams battled through a defensive first half Friday, combining for just two shots over the opening 30 minutes. Neither side was able to generate sustained offensive pressure as the teams entered halftime scoreless.
The pace changed significantly after the break, with the teams combining for 16 shots in the second half. IUP controlled much of the offensive action, recording 10 second-half shots compared to six for Shippensburg.
Despite the Crimson Hawks' offensive pressure, the Raiders broke through with two goals in a span of less than three minutes. Elaina Fragassi opened the scoring off an assist from McKenna Boyle before Boyle added a goal of her own to extend Shippensburg's advantage to 2-0.
IUP continued to generate scoring opportunities but was unable to find the back of the cage against the Raiders' defense.
The Crimson Hawks finished with an 11-7 advantage in total shots, including eight shots on goal. Shippensburg's goalkeeper turned away all eight attempts to preserve the shutout.
Senior goalkeeper Celeste Pagliaroli recorded three saves for IUP.
The Crimson Hawks conclude their PSAC regular-season schedule with a 6-3 conference record and will turn their attention to postseason competition.
IUP will host Bloomsburg in the opening round of the PSAC Tournament on Tuesday at Miller Stadium. The postseason matchup is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
