WORCESTER, MA – The Worcester State field hockey team bested Clark University in double overtime on Saturday afternoon at Granger Field.
Clark's Anna Joyce struck first giving the Cougars a one goal advantage in the first quarter. The score remained unchanged until the 4th quarter when Clark's Kimberlie Asseng added another tally on a rebound from Rachael Romain's shot, to push the score to 2-0 in favor of the Cougars.
The Cougars held the lead until just under 4-minutes remained in the 4th quarter, when Worcester's junior defender, Emily Saucier put one past Clark's Grace Sawyer to bring the Lancers within one. Saucier's goal came off an assist from senior midfielder, Lexie Panagiotopoulos. A few minutes later junior forward, Karalyn Jones was able to beat Sawyer again in the final seconds of regulation to send the game into overtime. Jones' goal was assisted by junior forward, Emily Floury,
The seven on seven overtime proved to be eventful. Clark had 5 shot attempts including a pair generated from a two person breakaway. Sophomore goaltender Sam Gastonguay turned aside both shots. Worcester had two shot attempts in the first overtime. Despite the action, the score remained tied.
In the second overtime and 74th minute of the game, Worcester's junior midfielder, Carly Duff sprung free on a breakaway and was able to seal the win for the Lancers, completing the three goal comeback, and her second goal on the season.
Worcester's goaltenders, Gastonguay and first-year Madison Ferrara combined for 12 saves. Ferrara recorded 5 saves and an .833 SV% in her first collegiate start, while Gastonguay improved 2-0 and a .900 SV% on the season. Clark's Grace Sawyer had 10 saves.
Worcester had 26 shot attempts in the contest, including 9 shot attempts in the 4th quarter and 7 in the second overtime. Panagiotopoulos led the Lancers with 5 shots. Clark had 20 shot attempts, led by Anna Joyce and Rachel Romain with 4 apiece. With the win, the Lancers improve to 2-0-0, while the Cougars fell to 0-2-0.
The Lancers return to action on Thursday, September 9th for their home opener versus Springfield College at 7pm.