ERIE, Pa. The Shippensburg University women's soccer team scored twice in the first half and held on to defeat Mercyhurst, 2-1, Saturday afternoon. The Raiders improved to 6-5-1 overall and to 5-5-1 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The Lakers dropped to 5-5-2 and 4-5-2, respectively.

Shippensburg junior Ashley Weaver put the Raiders in front at 5:39 when she headed home a crossing pass. The lead grew to 2-0 before halftime when freshman Katie Rauch beat Mercyhurst junior goalie Kristen Koch at 35:42. Rauch took a pass through the defense and deposited a shot in the upper right corner of the goal. The Raiders outshot the Lakers 8-4 in the first 45 minutes and 5-0 on goal. The Lakers had a 3-2 edge in corners.

Mercyhurst got back into the game at 54:16 when Norwegian freshman Ingrid Karoliussen scored her second goal of the season with help from Northern Ireland graduate student Rachel Fulton. The goal came off a rebound from a free kick. But try as they might, the Lakers couldn't get the equalizer.

Total shots were even in the contest at nine each but the Raiders had more of them on goal, 5-2. Corners favored Mercyhurst 4-3. Koch was credited with three saves while Ship's sophomore, Leah Roy, stopped one shot.

The Lakers will resume conference play this Tuesday when they host California University of Pa. at 3:30.