SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa­­­­ -  – The Slippery Rock University field hockey team defeated Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2-1, Wednesday night in at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium in non-conference action.
 
The win improved Slippery Rock's record to 4-1 on the year, while the loss dropped Indiana to 1-4 for the season.  
 
Sophomores Kayla Ulrich, and Abby McKay were The Rocks goal scorers tonight, helping SRU claim the win over IUP.  
 
15 minutes into the first half senior Hanna Simone centered a pass toward the cage allowing Ulrich to fire one in. The goal was Ulrich's team-leading fourth of the season.
 
IUP rallied with one minute left in the half when senior Emma Smiley fired a shot that was saved, but allowed junior Kimberly Kelly a chance to center a shot in for her first goal of the season.
 
For 14 minutes in the second half the score stood 1-1. However, the tie was broke when in the 57th minute McKay, coming from the left side of the field, played the ball around two defenders and sent off a shot past IUP goalie Olivia Accardi for the eventual game-winning goal.
 
McKay now has two goals this season adding her name to the list of five other Rock players who have two or more goals in 2018.
 
Indiana recorded three shots in the game's final 13 minutes, but Slippery Rock was able to successfully defend all the scoring opportunities to hold on to the one-goal victory.

Goalkeeper Maddie Murphy played all 70 minutes Wednesday, stopping six shots and allowing one goal. Murphy has been the goalie of record for all five games this season.
 
For the game, Indiana held advantages over The Rock in total shots (14-10) and penalty corners (9-8). Both teams recorded seven shots on goal each.
 
Ulrich tallied four of The Rock's seven shots on goal with McKay, senior Liz Wolfe and senior Sam Geroski all posting one shot on target as well.

Up next, The Rock will hit the road for a PSAC matchup against No. 7 West Chester 4 p.m. Saturday at Vonnie Gros Field.

NOTES
• Wednesday's win tied this year's team with the 1997 and 1978 teams for the second best start to a season in school history. Only the 1976 (5-0) Rock squad had a better record through the first five games of a season. 
 
• Two of McKay's four career goals have come against Indiana.
 
• With her goal on Wednesday, Ulrich now ranks ninth in program history in career goals (15) and 10th in career points (34).
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• 20' Kayla Ulrich (Hannah Simone) SRU 1 – IUP 0
• 34' Kimberly Kelly (Brianna Lubarsky) SRU 1 – IUP 1
• 57' Abby McKay SRU 2 – IUP 1
 


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