Penalty Stroke Sends Field Hockey To 2OT Victory over Juniata, 2-1

Penalty Stroke Sends Field Hockey To 2OT Victory over Juniata, 2-1

HAVERFORD, Pa. – The Haverford College field hockey team (5-1) outlasted visiting Juniata (2-4) in double overtime on Wednesday evening, prevailing by a 2-1 final, thanks to a penalty stroke goal by Kelsey Chai that came four minutes and 19 seconds into the second overtime period. Haverford has now won four straight home games at Swan Field to begin the season. 

The Fords got on the scoreboard first, finding the back of the cage with just 21 seconds remaining in the first quarter. With Juniata holding fort in its defending third, a loose ball eventually found the waiting Haverford attack, as Ariana Sulpizio flicked an attempt on frame before Ravenel Davis was able to guide the rolicking shot home with a quick tap, giving the Fords an early lead with her first goal of the season.

At the halftime intermission, the Fords held a 8-5 advantage in shots, while the Eagles recorded a slight advantage in penalty corners at 3-2. Each goalkeeper had three saves at the break.

The Haverford lead held at 1-0 until just under 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Juniata's Catherine Lanigan charged passed the Fords backline, setting up a one-on-one with just Hannah Roth to beat. Lanigan slid a crafty shot past the charging keeper, tying the score and setting up a thrilling conclusion. The game headed to overtime following a few late chances for each team as Olivia Ahart had her shot attempt saved with just over seven minutes remaining in regulation.

Despite starting the first overtime down a player due to a green card, the Fords applied offensive pressure in the extra frame, with Roxy Vassighi and Casey Wakai registering shot attempts on consecutive penalty corners.

In the second overtime period, the Fords were the first to be awarded a crucial penalty corner and in the ensuing possession, a momentous penalty stroke was awarded to the hosts. Haverford turned to Chai with a chance to send the home crowd happy. The junior swiftly delivered the game-winner, slotting her shot towards the far post and setting off a wild celebration on Swan Field.

Vassighi notched a game-best five shots, while Dalia Bercow, Chai, and Anna Kirn all had a pair. Roth made five saves while her counterpart from Juniata, Nicole Piccioni, made eight.

Haverford owned a 15-8 shot advantage, and a 9-4 lead in penalty corners, including seven tallies after halftime.

The Fords were playing Juniata for just the second time in program history, evening the all-time series with the Eagles at 1-1 after Juniata won on a neutral site in 2007. 

Haverford, receiving votes in the latest NFHCA Coaches Poll, will next be in action on Saturday, making the trek to Misericordia (3-4) for the final non-conference contest of the season. First pass is slated for 1 p.m.