KUTZTOWN, PA (September 21, 2010) — The Kutztown University's Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division field hockey opener against Millersville University was exciting.
Kutztown, ranked seventh in the Kookaburra/National Field Hockey Coaches' Association (NFHCA) Coaches' Poll was perfectly matched with sixth-ranked Millersville. Both teams challenged each other vigorously, before the Golden Bears emerged with a 2-1 victory over the Marauders Tuesday night at University Field. (BOXSCORE)
For the Golden Bears (2-1 overall, and 1-0 PSAC East), the win was a great recovery from last Saturday's close 5-4 setback to top-ranked Shippensburg.
In the 60th minute, KU's Julie Rosenkaimer scored the game winning goal for the Golden Bears off of Erin Reynolds' assist.
“It feels really good to get that win, especially over a school in the East division,” Rosenkaimer said. “We really wanted this win. Our loss last week was hard for us, so we made it our goal to go really hard and get this win.”
The Marauders (3-3, 0-1) did not give up without a fight. Just four minutes before Rosenkaimer's goal, Millersville received an opportunity to break a 1-1 tie. MU's Melissa McCarthy was awarded a penalty stroke. With tensions high and nerves even higher, both teams stood back and watched as McCarthy and KU's goalie, Emily Falko faced off. McCarthy approached the line and as she delivered the swing for her stroke shot, the ball sailed with force but missed the cage and landed just inches away from the inside post.
“We were really fortunate that that the ball didn't go in,” Kutztown head field hockey coach Betty Wesner said. “It was nice to beat this team and give us the Eastern division win. I was impressed with this game because the other teams we've played this season have played more games, and have more experience. With each game I see us improving. We are going to take one game at a time, and as long as we can continue to correct our mistakes, we'll be fine.”
Millersville established its offense from the beginning of the game. In the tenth minute, MU's Emily Woodland scored off a penalty corner to give the Marauders a 1-0 advantage. The Golden Bear defense continued to work and try to keep the ball on their end of the field, but the Marauders continuously pressured KU. The Millersville offense finished with 10 shots overall. However, KU's Falko was there to record five saves.
The Golden Bears continued to look for opportunities to score. In the 28th minute, Abbey Sheeler delivered a goal, which was assisted by Jenna Gregory that tied the game, 1-1.
In the second half each team continued to play well, but neither the Golden Bears nor the Marauders would budge. Rosenkaimer's goal was the ultimate difference in KU's win.
“We have to continue to work as a team and play harder each game,” said Rosenkaimer.
“If we stay united as a team, we won't fall.”
The Golden Bears will return to action on Saturday, September 25 when they travel to Slippery Rock Saturday morning beginning at 11 a.m. Fans can follow all of the action by CLICKING HERE to view live stats of the game. Kutztown defeated Slippery Rock, 3-2, on September 11.
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