Worcester, MA --- WPI defeated visiting Worcester State in an exciting overtime field hockey thriller Tuesday evening at a wind- swept and soggy Alumni Field.

Senior Chelsea Cook (West Sayville, NY) scored to end the game with just 1:02 remaining in the first overtime after crossing the ball and having it ricochet off a Worcester State player and trickled into the net for the victory.

The win puts the Engineers at 4-3 while the Lancers fall to 1-4.

WPI saw much of the first half played in the Worcester State end, but was unable to put the ball in the net.

The Engineers had six penalty corners to the Lancers two, but failed to capitalize on any opportunities. The hosts finished the period with six shots on goal by five different players led by fourth-year Becca Sharpe (Concord, NH) with two. The Crimson and Gray stood tough in the defensive zone not allowing a shot on target in the first stanza.

The Engineers struck just 1:15 into the second half on a goal by sophomore Libbi Richardson (Uxbridge, MA) who gathered a loose ball following a scramble and was able to sneak it by the goaltender for the sophomore's third tally of the season.

Worcester State tied the game at the 61:33 mark when second-year Katelyn Abber (Dedham, MA) found fellow classmate Molly Kilday (Westford, MA) in front of the net for her first goal of the season.

Junior Liz Dufresne (Worcester, MA/St. Peter-Marian) was tremendous in goal for the hosts but was particularly tough in overtime turning away three great Lancer opportunities. The junior ended with seven stops on the night.  Cook aided in the defensive cause with a second half defensive save.

Worcester State's senior netminder Rebecca Mullen (Peabody, MA) was up to the challenge, keeping her team in the game and making six key saves in the first 35 minutes.

The Engineers are back in action in NEWMAC play when they entertain the Beavers of Babson at 1. Worcester State returns to the field on Thursday when they host Becker at 7 PM.

Full Release Courtesy of WPI Sports Information