Women's soccer shuts out Shippensburg, 1-0

The Slippery Rock women's soccer team defeated Shippensburg University 1-0 on Saturday afternoon, picking up a PSAC victory.

Sophomore Stephanie Buckenheimer scored the lone goal in the 36th minute of the first half, off a pass from freshman Nicole Krueger.

Although Shippensburg held an 18-7 advantage in shots and an 8-5 advantage in shots on goal, the Green and White's rock solid defense discouraged the Lady Raiders' offensive efforts.

Junior Dana O'Neill had a season-high of eight saves in goal, to earn the win for the team and secure the shutout.

Head coach Noreen Herlihy was happy with the team's efforts on Saturday, but thinks there are still some aspects of the game that they can work on.

"We had many early opportunities in the game that we didn't capitalize on," said Herlihy. "It was 1-0 in the first half and our legs were tired, but our attitude was still excellent and so was our determination to win the game. We're just going to continue to improve during practice and take it one game at a time."

On Wednesday evening, the Rock played to a scoreless draw against Mercyhurst College. The match was called due to heavy lightning and storms predicted to happen the rest of the night.

The tie brings the Green and White's record to 3-2-2 overall, and 2-1-2 in PSAC competition.  

The Rock appeared to be the dominant team in the first part of the game, controlling the ball for most of the first half, before having the game called due to weather. The Lakers had a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal, but the Rock held an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Buckenheimer, sophomore Kara Mullins and senior Alyssa Barrett each had two shots a piece on goal.

Junior forward Erin Storck said the team needs to focus on completing the chances that they get each game.

"The biggest obstacle we have right now is finishing the opportunities we're creating in front of goal," Storck said. "We're going to overcome this by passing the ball quickly, maintaining composure in front of goal and ultimately putting the ball in the back of the net."

Herlihy said everyone on the team is stepping up and putting everything they have into each game.

"It's a collective team effort. With a small squad this year, it's important that everyone does the best they can each game, and they all have been."

The Rock will travel to Kutztown on Saturday afternoon to take on the Golden Bears.