LIU Post loses Division II field hockey championship game

LIU Post's dream of its first national field hockey championship ended Sunday when it lost the Division II title game to Shippensburg, 2-1, in overtime at Old Dominion's L.R. Hill Sports Complex in Norfolk, Va.

It was a battle between the tournament's top two seeds, and both North Regional No. 1 LIU Post (21-1) and South Regional No. 1 Shippensburg (20-1) were looking for a first NCAA title.

The winning goal was scored by Shippensburg senior Bre White on a penalty stroke 5:31 into overtime.

Shippensburg took a 1-0 lead 11 minutes into the game when Taylor Bender scored off an assist from Lucinda Kauffman.

LIU Post's Dani Crouse tied it in the 67th minute with a shot from just inside the circle.

This was Crouse's first year with the team, and the native of South Africa finished with six goals and 14 assists.

"She's an amazing player and has great composure on and off the field," coach Raenee Savin said.

Shippensburg goaltender Carenna Neely had four saves and Post goaltender Meredith Stocklin had two.

"We knew they were going to be a tough team," Savin said. "They have excellent stick skills. They defended us very well and they were able to shut down Carlee Dragon."

Dragon was named the Northeast-10 player of the year. The senior led the conference this season with 31 goals and 16 assists.

It was Post's first national championship game. Despite the loss, Savin has high hopes for the program.

"We'll be back here again next year," she said.