SHIPPENSBURG, PA (October 1, 2010) — The Kutztown University women's soccer team accomplished the first part of its goal for this weekend's Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) matches by defeating Shippensburg, 3-0, Friday afternoon at David See Field. (BOXSCORE)
KU (7-2 overall, 4-2 PSAC) knew the importance of this weekend's PSAC matches after losing to Indiana University (Pa) last week.
“This was an important win for us,” said KU head coach Erik Burstein. “We really needed three points and we needed to rebound after the loss to IUP.”
The Raiders challenged the Golden Bears defense in the beginning of the game. In the second minute, Shippensburg's Rachel Wess pressured KU freshman goalie Casey Behrendt with a shot attempt. However, Behrendt did not let her guard down as she recorded nine saves and her second career shutout.
Sophomore Maria Borland started the scoring for the Golden Bears in the sixth minute. Maria's twin sister, Stephanie Borland recorded the assist on the goal. Maria Borland (Hagerstown, MD/Hagerstown) scored off a semi-breakaway that landed in the lower right corner of Shippensburg's net. This was Maria Borland (Hagerstown, MD/Hagerstown)'s second goal this season and Stephanie Borland (Hagerstown, MD/Hagerstown)'s sixth assist.
“We had a bright start to the game and scored an early goal,” said Burstein. “Although we tried to push for the second goal, Shippensburg really began to compete and put us on the back foot for the remainder of the first half.”
The Golden Bear offense found its rhythm in the second half. In the 66th minute, Carolynne Kahl doubled KU's advantage by scoring her fourth goal of the season, which was assisted by Jen Pyne.
Pyne decided to take part in the action, scoring ten minutes later off a corner kick that expanded the Golden Bears advantage to 3-0. In the final 15 minutes remaining, Shippensburg continued to battle, up however Kutztown was up to the task, blocking the Raiders final four shot attempts.
The Golden Bears hope to continue their mission of earning points and wins on the road. Tomorrow KU will face California (Pa) in a rematch of the PSAC semifinals and NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional second round contest at 2 p.m.
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