West Chester, Pa. – In a PSAC Semifinal clash that had all the makings of a classic, the East Stroudsburg University Warriors came up just short, falling to top-seeded Slippery Rock in a 12-11 overtime heartbreaker at Vonnie Gros Field. The loss brings ESU to 14-5 on the season as they now look ahead to the NCAA Selection Show on Sunday, May 4 at 8:30 p.m., where their postseason fate will be determined.
Freshman attacker
Sadie Kauffman delivered a heroic individual effort, erupting for seven goals, including four in the first half and a pair of clutch scores late in the third and early in the fourth quarter to keep ESU within striking distance. Kauffman, a leading force for the Warriors offense all season, also converted 3-of-4 free-position opportunities and tallied 13 total shots.
Sophomore attacker
Maddy Poltrack and senior midfielder
Campbell Heller each added key goals during ESU's third and fourth-quarter surges. Heller's fourth-quarter equalizer at 6:25 tied the game at 11 and capped off a resilient rally by the Warriors, who had surrendered a three-goal lead earlier in the contest.
Ariana Tucci contributed on both ends, scoring once and dishing out an assist on Poltrack's goal in the third quarter. Tucci also drew a key free-position opportunity and remained active throughout on offensive sets.
In the midfield,
Lauren Hallman had a gritty performance, grabbing a ground ball, forcing three turnovers, and collecting a draw control.
Mac Maloney led the defensive effort with three caused turnovers and strong off-ball pressure. Defender
Molly Atwell anchored the back line, causing a turnover and securing six draw controls despite receiving two cards during a physically intense matchup.
Goalkeeper
Abby Simonetti made six saves, including a pair of clutch stops in the fourth quarter that helped force overtime. She faced 18 shots on goal, many in transition after turnovers or draw losses.
Despite the narrow defeat, ESU dominated several statistical categories:
Draw Controls: 15-10
Shots: 28-20
Free-Position Shots: 7-5
Up Next:
With a strong body of work throughout the season and multiple wins over nationally ranked opponents, the Warriors remain in contention for an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament. All eyes now turn to the Selection Show on Sunday, May 4 at 8:30 p.m., where ESU hopes to earn its place in the national championship bracket.
