KUTZTOWN, PA (October 26, 2010) – The Kutztown University field hockey team put forth a valiant effort in a 3-2 setback to visiting East Stroudsburg University in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division match Tuesday evening at University Field. (BOXSCORE)
Kutztown is ranked fifth in the latest Kookaburra/National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) poll. East Stroudsburg entered the game ranked third. The game lived up to its billing as a close battle between two of the best Division II squads in the country.
The Golden Bears (8-6 overall, 4-3 PSAC East) never led in the game but they forced a pair of ties. Using a gritty effort, Kutztown never allowed ESU to run away and hide like the Warriors did in the team's earlier matchup this season, a 5-2 ESU victory.
Kutztown answered every ESU goal with one of its own. Unfortunately, the Golden Bears ran out of time as they were unable to respond to Jessica Frantz's eventual game-winner with 10 minutes remaining. Frantz, the Division II scoring leader, scored twice to lead the Warriors (14-2, 5-1).
Even as time was winding down, Kutztown continued to attack as Jenna Gregory continued applying pressure. As the final buzzer sounded, the Golden Bears had possession deep in ESU territory.
Kutztown showed its resolve midway through the second half trailing, 2-1. Katie Brautigan left the game with an injury and although the Golden Bears were slightly shaken, they picked up their game. Samantha Carberry entered the game for the first time and made her presence felt. Carberry's goal from the right inner circle with 15 minutes remaining tied the game, 2-2.
After the Golden Bears fell behind, 1-0, Abbey Sheeler and Gregory quickly combined to get Kutztown even. Literally, seconds after ESU was celebrating its goal, Sheeler scored her team-leading ninth goal off of Gregory's sixth assist of the season. Frantz's first goal later in the half gave the Warriors a 2-1 intermission advantage.
Emily Falko was strong in the cage for the Golden Bears, finishing with five saves.
Kutztown returns to action Saturday afternoon when it hosts C.W. Post in a PSAC East game starting at 1 p.m.
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