MILLERSVILLE, PA. (September 22, 2009) – The Kutztown University field hockey team erased a late deficit to defeat Millersville University, 2-1, Tuesday evening at Chryst Field in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division contest.
Kutztown, ranked fourth in the latest National Field Hockey Coaches Association poll, won its second consecutive match to improve to 7-2 overall and 2-1 in the PSAC East. Millersville, ranked ninth, dropped to 4-4 and 1-2.
KU freshman forward Jenna Gregory (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) (Phillipsburg, NJ /Phillipsburg) scored the decisive goal with six minutes, 12 seconds remaining to cap a memorable rally. Junior Abbey Sheeler (Fleetwood, PA/Brandywine Heights) (Fleetwood/Brandywine Heights) had the assist on Gregory's second-game winning tally of the season.
The Golden Bears scored two goals during a five-minute stretch of the second half to claim the important road victory. The winning goal was a thing a beauty according to many of the players and veteran coach Betty Wesner.
“That was a gorgeous goal,” Wesner said. “We used everybody to score. The ball went from side to side and all the midfielders touched the ball. The stick work was beautiful and it was just a nice finish. In addition, our keeper (Emily Falko (Catasauqua, PA/Catasauqua)) kept us in the last two games with some good work in the cage”
One thing Gregory has proven in her short time in the maroon-and-gold is she knows how to finish. Her goal was her eighth of the season, which is second on the team behind senior Lauren Solley (Oley, PA/Olley Valley). Gregory used a burst of speed to get the ball past the Marauder keeper.
“That's how we practice that play so it was nice to see it actually happen in a game,” Gregory said. “This was a good win for us but we really need to put a full 70 minutes together. Lately it seems like we've been a second half team.”
After Millersville's Lauri Blessing had her shot go into the cage off of a deflection with 14 minutes, 58 seconds remaining, Kutztown picked up the intensity and worked harder. It paid off as junior Katie Brautigan (Bernville, PA/Tulpehocken) (Bernville/Tuplehocken) converted a penalty stroke with 11 minutes remaining to tie the score. It was Brautigan's first goal of the season.
Kutztown sophomore keeper Emily Falko (Catasauqua, PA/Catasauqua) (Catasauqua/Catasauqua) finished with three saves. Junior midfielder Kim Angstadt (Oley, PA/Oley Valley) (Oley/Oley Valley) was solid throughout the game for the Golden Bears, who had a 15-8 edge in shots. Junior midfielder Courtney Zook (Oley, PA/Olley Valley) (Oley/Oley Valley) led KU with five shots. Gregory had four shots and senior Lauren Solley (Oley, PA/Olley Valley) (Oley/Oley Valley) finished with three shots.
The Golden Bears controlled most of the first half, creating several scoring chances. Kutztown even was awarded a penalty stroke but the Millersville keeper stopped the shot. Millersville put together a strong rush in the final five minutes of the first half but despite all the action, the game was 0-0 at intermission.
Although Kutztown wobbled a bit after its historic victory over Bloomsburg 15 days ago, losing two straight matches, the Golden Bears have recovered. Halfway through the season, Kutztown is in position to enjoy many more special moments.
“The Bloomsburg game is behind us,” Gregory said. “It was a big win for us and we celebrated but now we're focused on finishing strong. This win is another step in that direction.”
Kutztown returns to action Saturday afternoon when it hosts C.W. Post in a PSAC East match at University Field beginning at 1 p.m. Millersville's next match is Saturday when it travels to Bloomsburg for noon start.
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