WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – Graduate student
Kayla Antonucci (Windham, N.H.) made 11 saves, but it wasn't enough as Plymouth State University fell to Eastern Connecticut State University, 1-0, in overtime in Little East Conference (LEC) field hockey action at Rick McCarthy Field on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts got out to a hot start, firing nine shots on cage in the first quarter. Antonucci and the Panthers' defense stood tall as they were tested throughout the frame, making multiple point-blank stops. As the second quarter began, PSU found its rhythm and was able to push back against the Warriors' attack. Neither team could muster a goal, though, as the first half ended deadlocked at 0-0.
Plymouth State had a great look shortly after the second half began, but the ECSU goalie kicked the rebound just out of the Panthers' reach to keep the game scoreless after three. As the fourth quarter began, PSU had another great look when graduate student
Taylor Healey (Campton, N.H.) found a loose ball near the net. Again, the Warriors' goalie made the save as the game went into overtime.
Shortly after the extra session began, the Warriors found the ball at midfield and attacked the PSU goal, firing a shot that eluded Antonucci to give ECSU the 1-0 win.
Plymouth State dips to 9-8 (3-3 LEC), while the Warriors improve to 7-10 (2-4 LEC).
PSU had already secured the third seed for next week's LEC Tournament. The Panthers will host sixth-seeded WestConn in a first round game on Tuesday (Nov. 5), with the winner advancing to face second-seeded Keene State on Thursday (Nov. 7).
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 0, Eastern Connecticut 1 (OT)
- Plymouth State (9-8, 3-3 LEC)
- Eastern Connecticut (7-10, 2-4 LEC)
How it Happened:
- The hosts came out firing nine shots on cage in the first frame.
- Antonucci made all nine stops, keeping the game scoreless.
- PSU leveled things out in the second, but both teams came away scoreless at the end of the first half.
- The Panthers had a good look in the third quarter, but the scrambling chance was turned aside.
- PSU had another great scoring chance in the fourth when Healey pounced on a rebound but it was fought off by the Eastern Connecticut goalkeeper.
- Both defenses played outstanding down the stretch, keeping the game scoreless at the end of regulation.
- Less than two minutes into overtime, the Warriors fired a shot past Antonucci to secure the 1-0 win.
By the Numbers:
- Healey fired a team-high six shots on goal.
- Antonucci finished with 11 saves.
- Despite the setback, PSU has controlled the all-time series, winning 25 of 31 meetings.
Up Next:
- Third-seeded Plymouth State will host sixth-seeded WestConn in the opening round of the LEC Tournament on Tuesday (Nov. 5). Game time is set for 4:00 p.m., with the winner advancing to face second-seeded Keene State on Thursday (Nov. 7).
– 30 –
