ERIE, Pa. – The Bloomsburg University field hockey team won its third-straight game and picked up its second-straight shutout with a 3-0 victory over Mercyhurst Tuesday afternoon. The Huskies improved to 5-3 on the year while the Lakers dropped to 1-6.

The Huskies had to wait for two hours of thunderstorms, but they did not let the storms rain on their parade. After a scoreless first quarter, the Huskies played through steady raindrops and earned a penalty corner 2:56 into the second quarter. Sophomore Bella Culp (Dauphin, Pa./Central Dauphin) put an initial shot on goal from the top of the circle, but the Lakers goalie stopped her attempt. Senior Sydney Derr (Fogelsville, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh) corralled the rebound and put the ball under an outstretched goalie to give the Huskies a 1-0 lead.
 
Senior goalie Abby Shaffer (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin) faced her first test with less than seven minutes to play before the break, and she rose to the challenge. Shaffer turned away Allyson Doran's shot, and her defense kept the Lakers from getting a shot off on the penalty corner just 10 seconds later.
 
The Huskies took their 1-0 lead into the break.
 
Midway through the third, the Huskies earned another penalty corner, and Bri Doebler (Mifflinburg, Pa./Mifflinburg Area) put the perfect insert into the circle. After a first shot was blocked, senior Meghan Longenhagen (Catawissa, Pa./Southern Columbia) found a loose ball hit the back of the cage as the Lakers' goalie came off her line.
 
With less than four to play in the quarter, the Huskies put the finishing touches on their 3-0 win as senior Carlee Williams (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin) connected on a penalty stroke for her first goal of the season and second of her career.
 
Shaffer needed one more save in the fourth to seal the win and her fourth shutout of the season.
 
The Huskies out-shot Mercyhurst 15-6, including an 11-2 advantage in shots on goal. Bloomsburg held a 12-4 advantage in penalty corners. Williams led the team with four shots, and Shaffer finished the day with two saves.

The Huskies continue their road swing as they head to #5 Millersville University to open Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) action on Saturday. Game time is slated for 1:00 p.m.