KUTZTOWN, Pa. – The #2 ranked Kutztown Golden Bears faced off against the #10 ranked Mansfield team under a clear, sunny sky on Saturday morning. Anticipation was high, especially after a tough but close matchup with Shippensburg earlier this week. While the final score reflected a 2-1 loss for Kutztown, numerous highlights showcased the team's resilience and skill on the field.
The game kicked off with Kutztown's usual starting lineup, with one key change in goal:
Lorelai Lehenky (Coatesville, Pa./Coatesville) earned her first career start as goalie. The freshman displayed her quick, ninja-like reflexes, making three solid saves throughout the first half. Mansfield found the net just over a minute into the second quarter, but that was the only goal Lehenky allowed during her time in the cage.
Graduate student
Mia Kepler (Wall Township, N.J./Wall) took over goalie duties in the second half, demonstrating her experience and leadership with three additional saves. Mansfield scored once more early in the third quarter, making it 2-0, but Kepler held her ground and did not let any more goals slip by.
The game itself was a fierce battle between two top-ranked teams. The physicality was evident, with three combined green cards issued, adding to the intensity.
However, the Golden Bears were not backing down. Fifty minutes and thirteen seconds into the game, the freshman duo
Marissa Rice (Lancaster, Pa./Lampeter Strasburg) and
Jocelyn Morgan (Easton, Pa./Easton) executed a thrilling play. After a pass deflected into the air from Rice, Morgan, showcasing her impressive stick skills, knocked it into the net for Kutztown's only goal of the day.
This marked Morgan's second goal of both the season and her career, while Rice recorded her second assist in as many games. The energy intensified as Kutztown fought hard in the final stretch, generating two corner opportunities and launching three shots in the last seven minutes of play.
Throughout regulation, the Bears' offense exhibited grit, outshooting Mansfield 11 to 8 and dominating corners with an impressive 15 to 3 advantage.
Though the final whistle blew with a 2-1 score, the Bears displayed determination and a hunger that will undoubtedly carry them into their next matchup. Kutztown will look to bounce back when they face West Chester on the road on Wednesday, October 23, at 4:00 PM.
