By Brandon Wentz
The Golden Bears came out with a statement victory against Seton Hall to keep their playoff hopes alive and move to 8-8 for the year. Kutztown’s field hockey team knew the importance of this road conference game and their skill showed it.
If the season ended today, KU would currently miss out on the field hockey postseason. Six teams from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) will make the playoffs and Kutztown is one game behind Slippery Rock and Mercyhurst for one of those valuable six positions.
Once again for the Maroon and Gold, junior Anna Behm was an impactful contributor in the match. Behm had a hand in each of Kutztown’s two goals.
KU’s first goal was by Behm in the 20th minute. The goal was a result of a penalty corner kick and pass from teammates Morgan Aldinger and Rayann Fink.
The goal for Behm was her 16th of the season in as many games and is third in the PSAC this season for goals.
Ten minutes into the second half, Behm was able to set up teammate Megan Tiwold to find the back of the net for KU to take the lead.. The assist was Behm’s first of the season.
Goalkeeper Kayla Denlinger held Seton Hall scoreless and recorded five saves in the win. This was the second shutout of the year for KU, each of them coming together while Denlinger wasin net..
The Golden Bears led Seton Hall in both shot differential (15-6) and penalty corners. KU dominated 18-1 in penalty corners. The all-around team effort should provide Kutztown with a spark for their final two games of the year.
KU will return home for a 3 p.m. match against Millersville on Wednesday before wrapping up the regular season on the road against East Stroudsburg. They will have to win at least one of their final two in order to make their way into the playoffs ahead of Mercyhurst or Slippery Rock. The Maroon and Gold hold an advantage over Mercyhurst after defeating them 3-2 earlier in the season.