DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. -- The third-ranked Kutztown University field hockey team (5-0) was firing on all cylinders Thursday afternoon, recording its fifth-straight shutout en route to a convincing 5-0 win over Mercy (1-2) up in New York.
The Golden Bears were dominant from start to finish, netting four goals in the first half to kickstart the afternoon. Greenleigh McGehee (New Tripoli, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh) found the back of the cage for the first time this season just four minutes into the contest, followed by Andie Sierer (Hummelstown, Pa./Lower Dauphin) on the assist from Juliana Donato (Cedarville, N.J./Schalick) four minutes later.
KU kept the momentum rolling into the second quarter when Donato scored a goal of her own thanks to a helper from Breann Craley (York, Pa./Central York) two minutes in. Donato returned the favor shortly after, assisting Craley on her fifth goal of the season. The Golden Bear's scoring was capped off late in the second half when Jordan Stroup (Millerstown, Pa./Greenwood) found the back of the net on an assist from Shae Bennett (Boiling Springs, Pa./Boiling Springs). It was Stroup's first career goal and Bennett's first career assist.
The Golden Bear's defense was dominant yet again, limiting Mercy to only one shot on goal all game. KU is the only team in NCAA Division II to not have allowed a goal so far this season. The Golden Bears ended the contest with a 35-1 shot advantage, including 29-1 in shots on goal. KU also had the 21-1 penalty corner advantage.
Mia Kepler (Wall Township, N.J./Wall) started the game for KU in net, making one save in 45 minutes of action. Freshman Ella Weidenhammer (Newport, Pa./Newport) made her third appearance of the season in relief in the fourth quarter. Rebecca McClure got the start for Mercy and made nine saves, before being replaced by Alexandra Giordano, who made 14 saves in the second half.
The Golden Bears have nine days off before hitting the field again to start PSAC play. The Lakers of Mercyhurst make the trip to Andre Reed Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 23. That game is slated to start at 11 a.m.
