Bermuda achieved one of the best results in their history on Saturday night, as they beat NCAA Division II champions Shippensburg University 2-0 at the National Sports Centre.

Goals from Alex Francis and Maya Palacio gave the national team their stunning victory. In fact, the margin should have been greater, but Jasmine Patterson’s effort was ruled out after the umpires blew up early for a Bermuda penalty corner when they should have played the advantage.

After four wins from five against Division III opposition, the Raiders provided Bermuda with their toughest test of the summer, but they came through it with flying colours.

Great work from Keishae Robinson led to Francis giving Bermuda the lead in the first quarter after they soaked up Shippensburg pressure.

A mazy dribble from Palacio found a Shippensburg foot in the shooting circle, but the umpire blew her whistle as she found Patterson alone with a great chance. The Bermuda captain found the back of the goal, but the whistle had already gone for a Bermuda penalty corner.

After again being on the back foot for much of the fourth quarter to a Shippensburg team determined to equalise, it was Palacio who sealed the victory by getting on the end of a superb move involving Patterson and Kascia White in the Bermuda forward line.

The Raiders showed their pedigree from the first whistle and Emily Barnard had the first chance of the game, but Jennifer Chisnall — outstanding in a solid Bermuda defence all summer — put an end to the attack.

The home side got into the game reasonably quickly, though, and Patterson and Palacio both had chances after impressive early dribbles into the circle.

Midfielder Isabella Boonstra then played in Francis to set up a penalty corner before the latter gave Bermuda the lead.

In the second quarter, Barnard again made a break for Shippensburg and set nerves jangling in the home defence.Selina Whitter had to clean up after Xela Swan, in the Bermuda goal, was forced to make a couple of saves.

Kylie Huffman hit the board in the back of the Bermuda goal early in the second half, but the Raiders midfielder’s shot was from outside the circle.

Patterson then had her effort unfairly ruled out and Whitter’s shot from the ensuing penalty corner was kick saved.

As the third quarter ticked down, Robinson’s shot from the edge of the circle was well saved before Palacio shot wide after running into the circle.

Bermuda started the final period on the back foot as Shippensburg poured forward in search of an equaliser and Swan had to be alert to kick save from Huffman and Barnard’s run almost led to a goal.

However, Bermuda kept fighting and sealed the victory through the lively Palacio in the last three minutes of the game.

The result leaves the island’s team full of confidence as they head to Jamaica in November for the Central American and Caribbean Games qualifiers, where they will face the host nation, Guatemala, Guyana, Panama and Puerto Rico.