DUDLEY, Mass. - Nichols College spoiled a strong defensive effort from the University of Maine at Farmington field hockey team on Tuesday afternoon, topping the Beavers 1-0 in overtime in a non-conference battle.
The Records:
Following the loss, the Beavers concluded their regular season with a record of 0-14. The Bison improved to 5-14 with the win.
How it Happened:
The first half was a possession battle, with most of the play taking place in the midfield. Combined, the two teams managed just four shots in the opening 30 minutes, all belonging to the Bison. The Beavers had one penalty corner in the first half, while the Bison generated two.
Offense picked up in the second half as both teams started to test the opposition's goalkeeper. Gabby Vincentsen (Bristol, Maine) fired the Beavers' first shot of the game just 47 seconds into the second half, forcing Bison goalkeeper Sophia Venable to make a point-blank save.
Sophomore goalkeeper Ella Grant (Sturbridge, Mass.) made a phenomenal sprawling save on a shot from Callie Worthington just five minutes into the third quarter to keep the game scoreless.
Five minutes into the fourth quarter, the Beavers had a 2-on-1 opportunity with Vincentsen looking to slide a pass to Autumn Freeman (Byron, Maine) in front of the goal. However, a strong defensive play from Brooke Morin prevented the ball from reaching the open Freeman.
Nichols started to find their offensive footing in the final six and a half minutes of play. The Bison rattled off nine shots during that time and were awarded four penalty corners as they searched for the go-ahead goal. A strong defensive effort by Farmington, highlighted by four saves from Grant, kept Nichols off the scoreboard and forced overtime.
The Bison used the momentum they gained at the end of the fourth quarter to fuel their offensive push in the overtime period. After hitting the post two minutes into overtime, Sarah King scored a goal four minutes and 36 seconds into overtime, coming off an executed penalty corner. Callie Worthington and Kaelyn Casper were credited with assists on King's game-winner.
Team Stats:
The Bison held advantages in shots (27-5), shots on goal (13-3), and penalty corners (8-1) en route to the victory.
The Goalkeepers:
Grant continued her strong season in goal, recording 12 saves for Farmington. Venable made three saves to earn the shutout victory for Nichols.
UP NEXT:
The Beavers will face Husson University in Bangor on Friday afternoon at 3:00 PM in the first round of the Central Maine Collegiate Field Hockey Conference (CMCFHC) Tournament.
