BLOOMSBURG, Pa. – The Bloomsburg University field hockey team came away with a 1-0 victory over visiting Pace University in its home-opener, Tuesday afternoon. With the win, the Huskies improved to 1-2 on the year while the Setter dropped to 2-1 for the season.
 
After a scoreless first half for both teams, Bloomsburg broke the stalemate with the only goal of the game at the 33:27 mark. The Huskies were awarded a penalty corner just over two minutes into the second half, and while the Huskies couldn't get a shot on the cage during the corner, they were able to stay on offense and pressure the Pace defense. With the ball on the goal line to the left of the cage, senior Foto Tsioles (Kingston, Pa./Wyoming Valley West) pushed the ball in front of the cage for Arden Morgans (Mountain Top, Pa./Crestwood) who was waiting to receive the pass. Morgans tucked the ball inside of the near post and gave BU a 1-0 lead.
 
Just under three minutes later, Pace had a shot blocked by the Huskies' defense to keep the shutout intact. With under two minutes to play in the quarter, Pace's Julia Eshleman and Chloe Mayhew each got a shot off but the defense in front of junior Abby Shaffer (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin) once again stood tall and blocked both of the shots.
 
Bloomsburg got a slew of shots off midway through the fourth quarter but was unable to extend its lead. Freshman Aydan McFarland (Bloomsburg, Pa./Bloomsburg Area) was in front of the cage but lifted her shot just high and senior Mikayla Barrow (Hatfield, Pa./North Penn) had her shot blocked before McFarland and senior Callie Williams each were turned away by the Pace defense.
 
The Huskies had one of their best scoring chances late in the fourth quarter senior Tsioles and sophomore Sam Schaffer (Vestal, N.Y./Vestal) had three shots just in front of the cage but Grace Henderson turned away each attempt.
 
Shaffer faced her first real test just 8:40 into the game as Noelle Meij got a shot off after a Pace Penalty corner. Shaffer was there to kick the attempt away and keep the game scoreless. The only other shot on the cage for the Setters came with three minutes to play in the first and once again Shaffer turned away Chloe Mayhew's attempt.
 
Shaffer needed just the two saves to earn her first win of the year and her first career shutout. Shaffer's counterpart, Henderson, made six saves in the loss.
 
As a team, the Huskies out-shot Pace 18-7 and held a 15-7 advantage in penalty corners. The Huskies were led by McFarland with four shots while Tsioles and sophomore Alicia Carr (Shickshinny, Pa./Wyoming Seminary) each had two shots for the game.
 
The Huskies return to the field on Saturday as they host Converse University for an 11:00 am contest. Bloomsburg is hosting its annual Kids' Day for the contest. Prior to the game, any local kids are welcome to come early to decorate posters and enjoy a light snack. All kids in attendance are invited to walk out with the Huskies during the starting lineup as well!