The Slippery Rock University field hockey team (3-4) fell out of the national rankings with losses to Lindenwood University (2-4)on Saturday and Shippensburg University (5-1) on Tuesday.
The Rock jumped out to an early lead against Lindenwood when freshman forward Kailee Krupski scored a goal less than four minutes into the game to put the score 1-0.
It was Krupski’s third goal of the season, which ties her with senior midfielder Kelsey Gustafson for the team lead in goals.
Sophomore forward Megan McKay recorded her second assist of the season on the play.
“I hope that with some time of becoming closer with the team and connecting with them on and off the field even more, I will begin to emerge as a leader,” Krupski said. “I aspire to lead by doing and by example, rather than verbally.”
SRU Head Coach Julie Swiney said that she is impressed with Krupski’s play so far.
“She has improved and has transitioned into our system of play well,” Swiney said. “We are excited she is scoring as a freshman.”
The lead held up until the 17th minute when Lindenwood scored the tying goal. The game remained tied at halftime.Lindenwood began the second half with a goal in under two minutes into the half to take the lead 2-1.
It is a lead that they would not give up. Lindenwood’s defense in the second half didn’t allow SRU to attempt a shot over the final 35 minutes.
Junior goalie Carlee DuMars made nine saves in the loss and McKay led the team in shots with three.The Rock resumed Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play on Tuesday as they hosted Shippensburg.
A foul on the Rock in the 21st minute set up a penalty stroke for Shippensburg. That shot was put past DuMars as Shippensburg opened up a 1-0 lead.
The score would remain the same for over 40 minutes, until Shippensburg added to their lead with a blast from the top of the circle past DuMars in the 62nd minute of action. Shippensburg controlled the ball for the majority of the game as they outshot SRU 10-0.
“As a whole, our team played well defensively,” Swiney said. “Obviously we struggled to generate attack.”
Swiney said that the team is unhappy with the past few losses and inconsistency that they’ve shown.
“We, as a team, are not satisfied with our losing streak, and we are not particularly happy with our inconsistence on the field during games,” Krupski said. “But we plan on continuing to fix this problem, among others, to play to our full potential.”
DuMars recorded four saves for the Rock and redshirt defender Baylee Childress, freshman defender Kayla Mack, and Gustafson all chipped in with one defensive save a piece.
The Green and White’s next game is a PSAC matchup with East Stroudsburg University on Sunday at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium at 1 p.m.
