BERMUDA – The Shippensburg University field hockey team has taken full advantage of its right provided by the NCAA every four years to take a foreign tour. After numerous fund-raising efforts, the Lady Raiders have spent a week training in Bermuda in advance of the regular season, which begins September 4.

Shippensburg field hockey has had outstanding interaction with a multitude of people from all walks of life during the trip and formed many lasting memories. SU has trained or practiced every day during the trip, working on many facets of its game, but the team has also made sure to save some time for swimming, snorkeling, shopping and having fun.

While in the tropics, Shippensburg has competed in two scrimmages. On Tuesday, SU shutout a squad of Bermuda national team candidates by a 4-0 margin from the National Sports Center and got goals from four different scorers. (recap) (gallery) The second scrimmage came against a Bermudian mixed team that featured five men, with Shippensburg dropping a 3-2 decision.

The field hockey team will be leaving Bermuda on Saturday, and just in time. A tropical storm is brewing in the Caribbean and is threatening to impact the region.

Upon their return to Pennsylvania, Shippensburg will have four days of practice before departing for the far less tropical climate of New Haven, Connecticut for its season-opening tournament. SU will face Southern Connecticut State on September 4 and St. Michael's on September 5.

Be sure to check back with shipraiders.com for pictures and accounts of the Bermuda trip.