[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 172 (Thursday, December 1, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY FIELD HOCKEY WINS DIVISION II NATIONAL 
                              CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 1, 2016

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 
Shippensburg University field hockey team as the 2016 NCAA Division II 
National Champions. Shippensburg, which is a university in my district, 
has always been about serving the educational, social and cultural 
needs of their students, both in the classroom and beyond. The Red 
Raiders defeated Long Island University Post by a score of 2 to 1 on 
Sunday, November 20, 2016, capping a 20 win season that was dedicated 
to former student-athlete and coach, Amanda Strous.
  All season long, a number 22 jersey hung in the Robb Sports Complex 
in honor of Amanda Strous, a former student-athlete and coach at 
Shippensburg who tragically passed away before the start of the 2016 
season. The mantra ``Live, Laugh, Love'' and hashtag ``FlyHigh22'' 
served as inspiration for the team as they sought to ``Leave a Legacy'' 
in honor of Amanda.
  Shippensburg's emotional season concluded on a cold, fall day at the 
W.B. Mason Stadium at Stonehill College in Easton, MA. Winning three 
consecutive games as the lower seed, the No. 3 seeded Red Raiders were 
lifted to victory by goals from junior forward Emily Barnard and senior 
forward Katelyn Grazan. Finishing the year as the national leader in 
goals against average (0.46), save percentage (.899) and shutouts (14), 
Shippensburg is only the second team in tournament history to emerge 
from their region as a No. 3 seed and win a national championship.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with admiration and respect that I congratulate 
the Shippensburg University field hockey team for winning the 2016 NCAA 
Division II National Championship. Such an emotional season could not 
have a better ending, and I am confident that they will continue to 
achieve great things both on the field and in the classroom. On behalf 
of my constituents, I wish the Red Raiders all the best as they enjoy 
this accomplishment and look forward to next season.

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