West Chester falls to Millersville in NCAA semis

Golden Rams field hockey team finishes 18-3 on season

Champayne Hess poked a cross from teammate Katelyn Zapp into an open net three minutes into overtime, lifting No. 2 Millersville to a 2-1 victory over top-ranked West Chester in an NCAA Division II semifinal game at Trager Stadium at the University of Louisville Thursday afternoon.

The Golden Rams (18-3) came up short in its bid for a third win over Millersville (19-3) this season. The two PSAC rivals split their season series 2-2 with three of the four games going into overtime.

It was Hess’ third over- time game-winner this season. She also scored the double-OT game-winner against West Chester back on Sept. 23.

Millersville took the lead five minutes into the contest when Alicia Youtz deflected a shot past West Chester goalkeeper Sarah Krause following a nice combo play at the top of the circle to make it 1-0.

Toppi tied the game 1-1 seven minutes later when she batted in a cross from teammate Marnie Kusakavitch along the end line. That opportunity was set up when Kristina Scherrer lifted a ball down the near sideline, and Kusakavitch ran past the Millersville defender and caught up to the ball just before it went out of bounds.

For Toppi, it was her team-leading 22nd goal of the season.

The two conference rivals played nearly 60 minutes of scoreless field hockey following Toppi’s goal until Hess ended the contest three minutes into the extra session. The loss marks the first time that West Chester has lost a semifinal round, or championship, game in the NCAA Tournament since re-classifying to Division II in 2011.

Krause (15-3) made two saves in 73 minutes of action. Millersville’s Lauren Sotzin (19-3) was credited with five saves in the win.

High School

Boys Basketball

HUN SCHOOL 79, PHELPS SCHOOL 68 >> Ben Scipt scored 24 points as the Hun Scholl handed Phelps School (0-1) a loss in its season opener.

Hun scored 26 points in the first quarter and led the rest of the way.

Antanas Krimelis led Phelps with 24 points and Quincy McKnight added 23.

Hun hit eight 3-pointers in the game.