Hershey’s late heroics propel LHU mens’ soccer past Shippensburg

LOCK HAVEN, PA – The Lock Haven University men’s soccer team (7-2-2, 5-1-1 PSAC) defeated Shippensburg University (4-5-3, 2-5 PSAC), 2-1, in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern division action on Saturday night under the Hubert Jack Stadium lights.

The game remained scoreless after the first half, as Lock Haven and Shippensburg were seemingly locked in a stalemate despite four total corners and a collective six shots in the first half.

Tom Pombor (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport) got things going for Lock Haven in the 53rd minute when he pounced on a rebound in the box and smashed it past the helpless goalkeeper.

The Haven looked poised to increase their advantage and cruise home for the win, but Seth Crabbe tied the game for Shippensburg in the 79th minute when he headed home a Raider free-kick to level things at 1-1.

With time ticking under eight minutes to play, Samuel Hershey (Lancaster, Pa./McCaskey) was denied by a fine save, on the ensuing rebound, a quick-thinking Beckham Sibiski (Kutztown, Pa./Kutztown H.S.) dummied the ball allowing it to roll back for Hershey, who dispatched it for the game-winning goal.

Goalkeeper Aitor Ruiz de Eguilaz (Euskadi, Spain/Koldo Mitxelena (Robert Morris)) was forced into only two saves as Chase Tackett (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) and Connor Burke (Schnecksville, Pa./Parkland) led a stifling LHU defensive effort, allowing just five total Shippensburg shots.

The Bald Eagles get back on the field on Wednesday, Oct. when they host West Chester. That matchup is slated for a 5 p.m. kickoff.