KUTZTOWN, Pa. – It was a matchup of the top two teams in the country in a non-conference game Wednesday afternoon at Andre Reed Stadium. Two took down one as No. 2 Shippensburg shutout No. 1 Kutztown 2-0.
 
It was the first defeat of the 2024 regular season for the Golden Bears (5-1 overall), who haven't lost in their last nine games, dating back to last year, also falling to the Raiders (5-0) 1-0 in overtime of a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference semifinal on Nov. 3.
 
The two teams have played in some close and important games over the years and Wednesday was no different. The Maroon and Gold came into the game allowing just three goals through five games, second in the conference, while Shippensburg was first with just one goal allowed. Kutztown was also second in the PSAC scoring 26 goals, but was held goalless for the first time since that Nov. 3 game.
 
After a scoreless opening period, the Raiders got on the scoreboard just 0:51 into the second quarter. It was the first time all season that the Golden Bears were forced to play from behind. They were held without a shot, however, in that quarter as the teams went to halftime with Ship on top 1-0.
 
Erin Gonzalez (East Earl, Pa./Garden Spot) opened the third quarter with a shot that just sailed to the right. KU also had back-to-back penalty corners with under 3:00 to go in the third, but could not convert.
 
The Raiders added some insurance with their second goal of the contest 5:35 into the fourth quarter. The Maroon and Gold had a late effort out of Megan Doyle (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) that was saved by Emma Albee.
 
Shippensburg had a 9-5 advantage in shots, 6-3 on goal. KU held a 4-3 edge in corners.
 
Mia Kepler (Wall Township, N.J./Wall) finished with four saves in cage.
 
Kutztown's non-conference home game against Coker, scheduled for this Saturday, Sept. 21, has been canceled with no makeup announced. KU's next game is set for next Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Millersville, at 6 p.m., another non-conference matchup.

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