ST. DAVID'S, Pa. – The Neumann University Field Hockey pulled off an impressive comeback but ultimately fell in overtime against Eastern University on Wednesday afternoon by a final score of 5-4.
Eastern took the lead on a rebound goal after a penalty corner in with 10:24 left in the first quarter. With 5:17 on the clock, the Eagles doubled their advantage on another penalty corner goal. Three minutes later, they struck again on a fast break, closing out the first with a 3-0 lead.
Neumann started the second by putting persistent pressure on the circle. With 9:50 left, the Knights were awarded a penalty stroke. Cadance Conti wristed the ball into the left side corner pulling Neumann within two. Eastern gave a little pushback in action after the goal but with 3:39 left until the half,
Casey McGee broke into the circle and
Meghan Sheldrick shoveled in her third of the year, making it a 3-2 game.
The third quarter went scoreless until the last minute when the Knights were again awarded a penalty stroke. Conti was again tasked with taking it and again was successful, tying the game. Both teams pushed for the lead and with 4:13 remaining in the fourth, Eastern converted a penalty stroke to regain the lead. Just two minutes later, Conti completed the hat-trick with another penalty stroke goal. They had a chance for the win but a defensive save in the final seconds forced overtime.
In the extra session, both teams had shots including Neumann leading the penalty corner race 2-1. 9:07 into overtime, the Eagles picked up a penalty stroke and they were able to convert to grab the game.
In addition to Conti's three goal game, she led the Knights with five shots including three on goal.
Gabriella Cappelli, Sheldrick, and
Natalie Zoffer followed with four shots each.
Emma Schneider came in to play goal to start the second quarter and made 16 saves to keep Neumann alive in the game.
Neumann(2-3) will return to action on Saturday when they head south to face Hood College. The game in Frederick, Md. is scheduled for a 2:00 PM start.
