The undefeated Millersville University (8-0) women’s field hockey team beat Slippery Rock University (4-6) 2-0 Saturday, and remain the top team in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and all of Division II.
The Marauders came into the game as one of the highest scoring teams in the country, averaging 4.6 goals per game, while only giving up three goals on the season.
While the Rock held Millersville to less than half of their season average, they could not generate much of an offensive attack.
SRU’s sophomore forward Michelle Couch was the only Rock player who had a shot in the game, as the Marauders were able to lock down the Rock’s offense Millersville opened up the scoring 13:25 into the game to take a 1-0 lead.
They would add a second goal in the second half, in the 59th minute, to close the scoring.SRU’s defense gave
a strong effort. Junior goalkeeper Carlee DuMars stopped four of six shots on goal, while senior midfielder Kelsey Gustafson chipped in with a defensive save.
After opening the season with three straight wins, the Rock has now lost six of their last seven games.
“Overall, we have been very inconsistent this season,” Rock head coach Julie Swiney said.
With eight games remaining on their schedule, the Rock sits tied for seventh place in the conference, just a half game out of the final playoff spot.
Swiney said she likes her team’s chances of going forward.
“It would be an accomplishment to be in the top six in our conference and be in the playoffs,” Swiney said. “I truly believe we can still achieve our goal of making the postseason this year.”
Despite the losing record, several individuals have contributed this season.
DuMars, who has played every minute of every game this season, has stopped 57 of the 73 shots she has faced this season with a .781 save percentage. She has also recorded one shutout.
Gustafson, who also has played every minute, has four goals and nine points to lead the team in both of those categories.
She is also second on the team in defensive saves with four.
Sophomore forward Megan McKay, who has started eight of the 10 games, leads the team in assists with three.
McKay also has 18 shots as well as 11 shots on goal this season.
Redshirt junior defender Baylee Childress leads the way with six defensive saves, while senior defender Anna Swearingen has two game winning goals on the season.
SRU returns to action Saturday at home against Mansfield University (2-7) at 1 p.m.
