SHIPPENSBURG, PA. — The Belmont Abbey field hockey team opened up its 2023 season in a tightly-contested matchup against Indiana University of Pennsylvania Friday afternoon at the Robb Sports Complex.

The two teams were scoreless through regulation but a penalty stroke goal in overtime proved to be the difference in a 1-0 victory in favor of the Crimson Hawks. It was the first time in program history that the opening game had gone to overtime.

Friday's contest also marked the season opener for IUP.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Both teams took four shots in the first half.
• The Crusaders took nine shots for the game and three on goal.
• Isabella Grasso led the team with two shots and was one of seven Crusaders to take a shot in the contest.
• One of the Crusaders' best chances came early in the first half off a shot from Grasso midway through the second quarter that resulted in a defensive save.
• Sarah Schumacher recorded a defensive save in her first career start for the Abbey early in the second half.
• The Crusaders also had a penalty stroke chance in the third quarter before being turned away by the Crimson Hawks.
• Belmont Abbey took seven penalty corners in the game.
• Chloe Parker finished the game with six saves.
• Five Crusaders —Jillian Cain, Lainey Rogers, Marie Camastro, Brooke Ruiz and Schumacher — made their collegiate debut.
• Additionally, Cain and Grace Hines made their first career starts Friday.

UP NEXT

• The Crusaders conclude the weekend with a matchup against No. 2 Shippensburg at 4 p.m. Saturday.
• This will be the third straight year that the Abbey and the Raiders will face off against each other.