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SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University field hockey team rolled to a 2-1 victory in its Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference opener against Seton Hill Wednesday afternoon.
 
With the win, Slippery Rock improves to 3-0 to open the 2014 season. The only other Rock field hockey squad since 1995 to start the season with three consecutive wins was the 2012 squad, also led by head coach Julie Swiney, who tied the program's fourth-best win total of all-time at eight games.
 
Despite outshooting the visiting Griffins 15-1 and dominating possession in the opening frame, The Rock managed just a 1-0 lead at the break. Seton Hill capitalized on a rare penalty corner early in the second half to even the score at 1-1, before The Rock answered with the late game-winner.
 
The Slippery Rock offense was on full-throttle from the very beginning as they poured shot after shot on the freshman goalkeeper for Seton Hill. After a flurry of saves from Alexandra Piekarz, sophomore Kylie McCarty deflected a cross from classmate Michelle Couch to open the game's scoring and give SRU a 1-0 lead in the 11^th minute.
 
Piekarz made a remarkable nine saves in the first half to keep the Griffins within striking distance, before her hard work paid off as freshman Kayla Chapman chipped one over the SRU keeper to even the score at 1-1 in the 42^nd minute.
 
Slippery Rock regained its focus and upped the attack following the visitors' goal. Piekarz continued her strong play, turning away several shots before senior Kaili Simmons snapped a shot off her pads and Anna Swearingen netted the game-winner on the rebound in the 59^th minute.
 
Junior goalkeeper Carlee DuMars (3-0), aided by a strong performance from the defensive line and possession by the midfielders, limited Seton Hill to just one goal on three shots.
 
Piekarz picks up the loss after making 13 saves and allowing two goals.
 
Slippery Rock finished the game with leads of 25-3 in shots, 15-2 in shots on goal and 19-4 in penalty corners.
 
SRU improves to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the PSAC with the victory, while Seton Hill begins the season 0-1 overall and in the conference.
 
The Rock returns to Mihalik-Thompson Stadium Saturday for a non-conference showdown at 1 p.m. against Limestone College.