PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Senior midfielder Sydney Culbertson (North Kingstown, R.I.) figured in four of Rhode Island College's final five goals Saturday afternoon, including the game-winner, to lead the Anchorwomen to a 16-15 overtime victory against Little East Conference rival Plymouth State University.

            RIC recorded its first win of the season (1-7 overall, 1-3 in LEC games), snapping a 12-game losing streak dating back to last spring, while the Panthers (1-6, 1-3) dropped their fourth straight contest. The game was marred by an inordinate amount of fouls, as the Anchorwomen (43) and PSU (23) combined for a total of 68.

            The Anchorwomen came back from two-goals down in the final minute of regulation. Freshman attack Suany Almonte (Warwick, R.I.) netted her second goal of the game on a free position shot with 59 seconds left. Almonte collected the ball on the ensuing draw control and raced down the field, finding Culbertson behind the net. Sophomore midfielder Meridith Darby (Middletown, R.I.) took a pass from Culbertson in the slot and fired it past Plymouth State senior goalkeeper Sarah Beebe (Rumson, N.J.) with 35 seconds left to tie the game, 14-14, and force extra play.

            The Panthers scored 14 seconds into overtime as freshman Michaela Rice (Weirs Beach, N.H.) beat RIC freshman goalkeeper Hilary Switzer (Woonsocket, R.I.). Culbertson tied the game 21 seconds into in the second three-minute overtime period and netted the game-winner with 1:18 on the clock. RIC kept possession over the final 30 seconds to prevent the Panthers comeback bid.

            Culbertson finished with five goals and three assists for eight points, raising her point total to 15 (11-4) over the past two games. Senior Kerry McDevitt (Jamestown, R.I.) finished with five goals and an assist, while Darby contributed a hat trick, plus a helper. Switzer made 13 saves to earn her first collegiate victory.

            PSU sophomores Taylor Cambal (West Yarmouth, Mass.) and Kerry D'Ambroise (Lowell, Mass.) each posted six points, Cambal with four goals and two assists and D'Ambroise with two goals and four assists. Classmate Kalie Judd (Peabody, Mass.) added three goals, while junior Melissa Dark (Peterborough, N.H.) and freshman Michaela Rice (Weirs Beach, N.H.) chipped in with two goals apiece.

            Rhode Island College returns to action Tuesday at Lasell, while the Panthers visit Springfield on Thursday (4:30 p.m.) 

(Courtesy of Rhode Island College Sports Information) 

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