BLOOMSBURG, Pa. – The Kutztown University field hockey team is rolling. The fifth-ranked Golden Bears went on the road Wednesday and defeated Bloomsburg University 2-1 in overtime for their fifth straight victory.
Anna Behm (Kutztown, Pa./Kutztown) scored for a school-record seventh straight game, as well as her Division II-leading 17th of the season, in overtime for the game-winner. In the 75th minute,
Madison Wampler (York, Pa./West York Area) found Behm in the circle, who sent her shot over the Bloomsburg goalie's shoulder for the 2-1 KU victory.
Behm has scored in 10 of Kutztown's 12 games this season and with six games left in the regular season, Behm is two goals shy of tying her career-high of 19 set last season. Wednesday marked her 51st career goal, tying her for third all-time in school history with Barb Bergstresser (1982-85). Behm's 115 career points rank sixth in KU history, three shy of fourth.
As great as Behm has been this season, fans can't forget the strong play of fellow forward
Megan Tiwold (Northampton, Pa./Northampton). Tiwold netted her sixth goal of the season on Wednesday, ninth in the PSAC, and has already doubled her previous career-high.
Kutztown held advantages in shots (18-9) and penalty corners (14-4) against the Huskies to earn its first five-game winning streak since a seven-game run in 2010-11.
The Golden Bear defense has been just as impressive as the offense, and is possibly the strongest element of this year's squad. KU ranks in the top five in the PSAC in goals-against-average and save percentage, and credit the backline and goalkeeping for keeping KU within striking distance Wednesday.
Courtney Ueberroth (Stevens, Pa./Cocalico), who tallied an assist on the Tiwold goal, along with
Rayann Fink (Fleetwood, Pa./Fleetwood) (team-leading three defensive saves) played well again on Wednesday and have been a steady constant as central backs.
Kutztown has won four of five PSAC games this year, is third in the PSAC standings and seems determined to achieve its first double-digit win season since 2011 and its first playoff appearance since 2009.
The Golden Bears are in the midst of a three-game road-trip. Up next is Mansfield University on Saturday, Oct. 10 for a 2 p.m. start.
