KU Field Hockey prevails in a dramatic shootout against #9 Mansfield to secure a 2-1 victory
By Tommy Scuderi
In the PSAC quarterfinals, #3 seed KU sought redemption against #9 seed Mansfield University, who had upset them 2-1 at home on Saturday, Oct. 19. This time, KU got revenge in a match full of dramatic and intense moments.
Mansfield struck first, with forward Jenna Duke scoring early. This was a repeat of her initial goal in their last matchup, where she was the first scorer. Determined to avoid repeating the previous game, KU responded in the second quarter with a Marlee Fetrow goal off a pass from Erin Gonzalez, tying the game at 1-1.
Both teams played strong defense, leading to scoreless third and fourth quarters. KU, however, dominated the stats, outshooting Mansfield 19-6 and creating 13 corners to Mansfield’s 2. Despite leading the box score, they would be unable to find the back of the cage again. Mansfield goalkeeper August Lewis kept the Mounties in the game, making 14 impressive saves to push the game into overtime.
Neither team scored in two overtime periods, bringing the game to a shootout, the second for both teams—KU’s second of the season after a 2-1 shootout victory over IUP, while Mansfield previously fell 4-3 to Newberry College in a shootout. In the end, KU’s experience paid off as they scored three goals to Mansfield’s one, sending them to the PSAC semifinals.
KU Head Coach Marci Scheuing said after the game, “I am so proud of our team for finding a way to secure the win against a very talented Mansfield team. Their goalie played very well, but we found a way to capitalize when it mattered. I do believe our team is playing at a very high level right now and I am excited to carry that into our playoff game against East Stroudsburg on Friday.”
KU will face #2 seed East Stroudsburg University on Friday, Nov. 8, at Shippensburg University, setting up a top three showdown and a rematch of the 2023 national championship.