KUTZTOWN, PA (October 20, 2010) –Abbey Sheeler's game winning goal in the 58th minute was the deciding factor in Kutztown's 4-3 nail-biting victory over Millersville in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division game Wednesday afternoon. Sheeler continues to be one of KU's offensive forces.(BOXSCORE)
The Golden Bears (7-4 overall) are ranked fourth in the South Region of the latest NCAA Division II field hockey poll, and fifth in this week's National Field Hockey Coaches' Association (NFCHA) Division II poll.
Kutztown is on a two game winning streak and is 4-1 on the road. This was the perfect start of a three-game road trip for the Golden Bears.
The first 15 minutes of the game were quiet, until Millersville's Samantha Ruane scored. In the 21st minute, KU's Jenna Gregory scored her sixth goal of the season that tied the game 1-1. Seconds later, Ruane found the cage again, giving the Marauders the 2-1 advantage.
The Golden Bears weren't satisfied and in the 31st minute Jamie Koenig scored to tie the game, 2-2 at halftime. Koenig's fourth goal of the season was assisted by Erin Reynolds. Reynolds, along with Gregory are leading the team with five assists.
After the first half “cat and mouse” display, Gregory initiated the scoring for the Golden Bears in the second half. In the 39th minute, Gregory gave KU the 3-2 lead. Gregory's goal was assisted by Koenig.
Millersville continued to keep the game close, and in the 48th minute, Emily Manwiller tied the game, 3-3 off a penalty stoke. This was the third tie of the game and would be the last, as Sheeler proved why she is one of the most powerful components on KU's team. She scored ten minutes later, and Kutztown had the 4-3 advantage. Sheeler and Gregory lead KU with seven goals each.
Kutztown held Millersville's offense for the final minutes of the game. Goalie Emily Falko recorded six saves.
The Golden Bears offense was wide awake outshooting the Marauders 27 to 12.
KU will return to action on Saturday, October 23 to face Mansfield at 12 p.m. in a non-conference contest.
