MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Penn State Harrisburg's field hockey team once again played the role of cardiac cats in a come-from-behind, 2-1 non-conference victory over Wilkes at the college's turf complex on Wednesday night, Oct. 1.
Ami Mattingly found the back of the cage twice, with both goals coming in the second half.
Anna Moyer had the assist on the first score, while
Sadie Cook recorded the helper on what proved to be the game-winning goal.
After both teams came away empty-handed despite a number of scoring chances in the opening half, each squad broke through after the break. Wilkes (6-5) took advantage of a penalty corner nine minutes into the third quarter when Lydia Keppel fired home the game's first goal off an assist from Sage Morgan.
After coming up short on their previous 10 penalty corner attempts, the Lions (8-1) finally broke through on the 11th when
Bailey Rucker took possession of a loose ball and sent it into the circle. Moyer got a touch on it before Mattingly finished it off to tie things up with 3:08 remaining in the third quarter.
Less than a minute into the final frame, Penn State Harrisburg struck again, with Mattingly hammering home her second marker at the 14:01 mark, this time off a pretty centering pass from Cook. The Colonels had a chance to pull even with less than five minutes left but a Taylor Bower attempt was turned away by goalkeeper
Macenzie Mulholland to preserve the comeback victory.
NOTABLES
- With the victory, Penn State Harrisburg extended its program-record win streak to six in a row.
- Wednesday's contest was the first home night game in program history.
- Mattingly's pair of goals increased her team-leading total to 16 on the season.
- Cook's assist was her fourth of the fall.
- Moyer's helper was her first of the year.
- The Lions outshot Wilkes 14-5 overall and 12-3 in shots on goal.
- Penn State Harrisburg earned 11 penalty corners. The Colonels managed seven.
- Mulholland made a pair of saves to earn her seventh win of the season.
WHO'S NEXT?
The Lions open conference play when they host United East foe Lancaster Bible on Saturday morning.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube using the handle @
pshbgathletics.