WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - Facing a two-goal second-half deficit, Penn State Harrisburg's field hockey team completed a furious comeback and snatched a thrilling 3-2 double overtime victory from King's (Pa.) at McCarthy Stadium on Friday afternoon, Sept. 27. 

Natalie Rocuskie netted a pair of goals, including the game winner in the second extra session, while Sarah Gibbons scored the first goal of her career. Rachel Lane, Alexis Nasuta, and Sara Yeselavage added one assist apiece.

The hometown Monarchs (2-6) struck first late in the opening quarter and again just 61 seconds into the second period to create some breathing room in the 16th minute before protecting the 2-0 advantage heading into halftime. 

The Lions (6-2) regrouped after the break and got on the board in the 39th minute when Rocuskie fired an attempt past King's goalkeeper Emily Bollinger and into the back of the cage off a Lane centering pass to cut the deficit in half. 

With six minutes left in regulation, Penn State Harrisburg took advantage of a penalty corner and came through with the equalizer it needed when Gibbons finished off a look in front off a helper from Nasuta to pull her team even and extend the contest. 

The first overtime saw the Lions earn a pair of penalty corners and get off three shots but King's withstood the barrage and forced a second extra session. Little more than three minutes into the second overtime period, Yeselavage found Rocuskie breaking away from Monarch defenders for a one-on-one encounter from which the latter emerged with a sweeping game-winning goal that capped off the memorable come-from-behind effort.

NOTABLES

- The victory was Penn State Harrisburg's fourth in a row.

- Friday was the first time the Lions overcame a deficit to earn a win. 

- Rocuskie's multiple-goal effort was her first in a Penn State Harrisburg uniform. She currently leads the team in goals (5) and total points (12). 

- Gibbons' marker was the first of her career.

- Lane's assist was her team-leading third helper of the season. 

- For Nasuta and Yeselavage, their assists were the first of their careers.

- Goalkeeper Macenzie Mulholland made three saves to earn the win. 

- The Lions outshot King's 20-6 overall and 9-5 in shots on goal.

- Penn State Harrisburg finished with a 6-2 edge in penalty corners.

WHO'S NEXT?

The Lions are on short rest as they head to Misericordia for another non-conference contest on Saturday afternoon.

STAY CONNECTED 

Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.