North Andover, MA – The Wagner College field hockey team captured its second consecutive victory on the season, defeating Northeast Conference (NEC) member Merrimack, 2-1, in overtime on Thursday afternoon.
The Green & White, were out-shot by the Warriors, 13-12, on the day, but controlled the game for most of the 60 minutes, earning nine corners to Merrimack's five. Freshman goalkeeper
Erin Franklin stood tall in net once again, finishing the game with eight saves, while junior
Agustina Deharbe was the offensive catalyst for the Green & White, recording a goal and assist.
The first half was a back-and-forth defensive battle, with both teams finding great offensive chances. However, it was Franklin who stood out, saving four shots in the first 30 minutes to keep the game a scoreless tie.
In the final moments of the first half, Wagner intensified their offensive pressure, resulting in four corners in the last three minutes. That pressure continued into the third period and culminated in Deharbe's second goal of the season.
After a
Sara Nelson shot attempt was saved, Deharbe quickly grabbed the rebound and fired into the right corner of the net to give the Seahawks the 1-0 lead. Two more saves from Franklin sent the game into the final stanza with Wagner still leading.
However, a Merrimack penalty stroke in the first minute of the fourth period found its way into the net, knotting the game up at 1-1 with just over 14 minutes left to play.
Another Warrior score minutes later seemed to be a dagger, but the goal was disallowed for not allowing the ball to exit the circle on the penalty corner.
The Green & White would push the attack for the remaining ten minutes, but the final horn sounded with the game tied 1-1, sending the teams into seven-on-seven, sudden-victory overtime.
Merrimack never saw the ball in the extra period, as
Emma Brushingham brought the opening possession up the right sideline and found Deharbe who dribbled into the circle and fired it on goal. Waiting in front of the keeper was
Kira Mordvinov who directed it passed the Warrior keeper for the game winner only 26 seconds into OT.
With the win, Wagner improves to 2-1 (2-0 NEC) while Merrimack falls to 0-3 (0-2 NEC) on the season.
Next up, the Seahawks return to Grymes Hill for a home matchup against the LIU Sharks on Thursday, April 1, at 3:00 PM.
