MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - It took 76 minutes but it was worth the wait for Penn State Harrisburg's field hockey team, as Alysa McCarthy buried the biggest goal of her young career to seal a thrilling 2-1 victory over the defending United East champions from St. Mary's (Md.) in double overtime on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 7.
McCarthy converted the game-winning goal off, while Bailey Rucker scored her team-leading fourth marker of the year and added an assist on the deciding goal. Astrid Comp recorded a helper and Macenzie Mulholland made a pair of saves to earn the win.
After Penn State Harrisburg (6-5, 2-0 United East) earned two penalty corners in the first extra session but failed to convert, the Lions finally broke through with less than five minutes to play in the second overtime when McCarthy gathered a well-placed pass from Rucker in the circle, made a turn, and finished off her attempt to complete the memorable comeback victory with 4:15 left on the clock.
The Seahawks (5-6, 1-1 United East) wasted little time getting on the board in the early going when Josephine Mascolo found the back of the cage just 3:46 into the contest. The tide turned in the second quarter, however, as Penn State Harrisburg controlled possession for much of the period. After earning three penalty corners in the frame, the Lions made it hurt when Comp found Rucker for the equalizer off a Sara Yeselavage insertion, tying the game heading into halftime.
Penn State Harrisburg had multiple chances to end the game in regulation but St. Mary's was game on the penalty corner defense, as the Seahawks made two defensive saves in the fourth quarter to keep the game tied and force overtime.
NOTABLES
- Rucker recorded three total points on the day thanks to a goal and an assist. She now has 10 total points on the season.
- McCarthy's game-winning marker was the second of her young career.
- Comp's helper increased her team-leading points total to 10 on the fall.
- Mulholland made two saves in goal to preserve the victory.
- The Lions finished with a 10-4 advantage in penalty corners.
- Penn State Harrisburg got off five shots on goal while the Seahawks managed three attempts on target.
WHO'S NEXT?
The Lions continue United East play when they travel to Lancaster Bible on Saturday evening.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.
