ERIE, Pa.- The Mercyhurst field hockey team beat #3 Shippensburg, the defending NCAA Champion, 1-0, Saturday afternoon. Kelsey Lovelace scored with 2:31 left in the second half and Jess Wess made seven saves to lead the Lakers to a win on senior day at windy Tullio Field.

Mercyhurst controlled action for much of the second half, but the Lakers could not find a goal. The Raiders had a stretch of possession late, but Kelley Hynes won a loose ball and set up a chance for the home team. She passed right, where Kelsey Lovelace had moved past the Ship goalie. The ball rolled forward and Lovelace laid out, swatting in a shot from her stomach and into the back left corner of the cage with 2:31 remaining. The 323 fans in attendance erupted, but work still remained. The Lakers were able to spend time possessing the ball, but Shippensburg made a final push for the tie. Two Raiders got looks at the net, but Wess stood tall, denying both chances as time expired and the Lakers sprinted onto the field in celebration.

Each team earned six penalty corners. In the first half, Wess kept the Lakers in the contest, making two outstanding saves on her way to a six-stop period.

Mercyhurst had not beaten Shippensburg in 20 previous meetings dating back to 2000. It is the Lakers' second win over a ranked team this season, as they also took down #10 Slippery Rock September 17. 

Mercyhurst improved to 7-7 overall and 5-5 in the PSAC. Ship dropped to 11-3 overall and 8-3 in the conference. The Lakers play at Mansfield on Tuesday, October 28, in another PSAC contest.