WCU's goalkeeper Sarah Krause broke her own record for saves against East Stroudsburg.
WEST CHESTER, Pa. - Golden Rams senior goalkeeper Sarah Krause broke her own record as well as the school's, since it became DII, record for most saves with 15 as 10th-ranked West Chester University upset No. 2 East Stroudsburg, 3-1, in a PSAC field hockey contest at Vonnie Gros Field on Wednesday.
West Chester (5-4, 2-0 PSAC) remains perfect in league play while avenging a 4-0 non-league defeat at the hands of East Stroudsburg (7-3, 1-1) earlier in the season.
Krause was the story of the day, breaking her own school record and establishing a new career best with the 15 saves. Her earlier record was 13 saves against Ursinus in 2014. Heather Vearling made 27 saves against UMass in 1997 when West Chester competed at the Division I level. That still stands as the all-time mark. The Golden Rams have now won two straight and three of their last four contests.
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Rachal Toppi tipped a shot from Taylor Bracale past ESU goalkeeper Danielle Ard with 1:36 left in the first half to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break.
Freshman back Maya Gulliksen doubled the lead in the 46th minute with a blast off a penalty corner.
ESU's Emily Howell cut the margin in half in the 56th minute with a tip in front. However, West Chester retaliated 69 seconds later when Marnie Kusakavitch finished off a pass from Dayle Paustian to restore the home team's two-goal lead.
From there, West Chester turned things over to Krause and the defense in front of her. Bracale, Gulliksen, Nikki Bennett and Lauren Measel all turned in outstanding performances in the back on Wednesday as did the Golden Rams' corner defense. East Stroudsburg finished 1-for-17 on penalty corner opportunites.
West Chester travels to Indiana (Pa.) on Saturday for an 11 a.m. match.
