KUTZTOWN, Pa. – The Kutztown University field hockey team played one of its best games of the season on Friday, but it simply was not meant to be for the Golden Bears to hand fifth-ranked Limestone College its second loss of the season as KU fell 1-0 at University Field.
Both teams looked extremely competitive in Friday's non-conference game. The Golden Bears (5-5) pushed the nationally-ranked Saints (10-1) to the limit, but was not able to find the back of the net due to some impressive defensive saves from Limestone.
Kutztown led in penalty corners, 10-6, and more opportunities to score, but the deciding factor was a timely rebound in the 51st minute. Following a brilliant save by KU goalkeeper
Rachael Sanders (Fayetteville, Pa./Chambersburg (Limestone)), the ball fell right on the stick of Nicolle Grant, who lifted the ball over Sanders into the top left corner of the cage.
Courtney Konowal (Plymouth Meeting, Pa./Plymouth-Whitemarsh) and
Megan Tiwold (Northampton, Pa./Northampton) each beat the Limestone goalkeeper with shots, but both potential goals were stopped by defender Rufaro Mushavi. The Saints defender had two crucial defensive saves on the backline that made the difference.
Sanders played well in the cage for Kutztown, recording six saves and keeping the back line organized. Limestone goalkeeper Tabria Cochran earned the shutout victory with seven saves.
Despite the setback, Kutztown seemed pleased with its effort on Friday against one of the top teams in Division II. It takes on rival Bloomsburg University on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at University Field beginning at 7 p.m.
