WestConn comeback falls short in 2-1 OT loss to New Paltz
DANBURY, CT (Sep. 9) — Western Connecticut State University sophomore Melissa Berardi (Brookfield, CT) scored her third goal of the season late in the second half to force overtime, but the Colonials suffered their second overtime loss of season falling to New Paltz College Wednesday evening at the Westside Athletic Complex.
The Hawks’ Lauren Nicomini (Newton, NJ) scored in the seventh minute of play to give New Paltz a 1-0 lead. WestConn held an advantage in both shots and corners during the first half, but still trailed 1-0 at the half.
In the second half, New Paltz outshot the Colonials 8-5, but WestConn’s freshman goalkeeper Heather Stone (Valhalla, NY) denied every attempt, with a little help from senior Kara Cullinane (Lindenhurst, NY) who scooped a ball off the goal-line after a New Paltz shot rolled under Stone’s pads. With just over 10 minutes remaining, senior Meredith Stuart (Washington, CT) found Melissa Barardi to tie the score at 1-1. The end of regulation ended with Heather Stone making an acrobatic kick-save with no time remaining on the clock.
In the overtime period, Meredith Stuart had a great chance to end the game in favor of the Colonials, but New Paltz goalkeeper Elizabeth Tong (Woodstock, NY) made her first save of the game to preserve the tie. With just over four minutes gone in OT, Sarah Schloss (Brant Lake, NJ) drew Stone to the right and then made a perfect pass to Kristen Bergmann (Massapequa, NY) who tapped the ball into the empty goal for the game-winner.
Heather Stone finished with at total of five saves for the game, but takes the loss for the Colonials. Elizabeth Tong recorded one save the earn the victory. WestConn’s season record now stands at 1-3, while the Hawks are now 2-1.
WestConn returns to action Saturday, September 12 when it travels to Fitchburg State. Game time is slated for 3:00pm.
|
