MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Junior midfielder Sofia Lopez delivered a game-winning goal in overtime on Saturday, October 12, to push the St. Mary’s College of Maryland field hockey team into a tie for first place in the United East Conference (UEC). In a fiercely contested game, St. Mary’s College (4-9, 2-0 UEC) defeated Penn State Harrisburg (8-4, 1-1 UEC) with a 1-0 victory in overtime. The win marks the Seahawks’ second conference win and their third consecutive game decided in extra time.
How the Game Unfolded
The decisive moment came with just 2:09 remaining in the first overtime period. Junior forward Brenna Ziegler orchestrated the game-winning play, dribbling towards the far-left post and delivering a reverse-sweep pass across the goal’s mouth. Lopez, stationed at the near post, deflected the ball in to clinch the victory for St. Mary’s College.
Penn State Harrisburg had early opportunities to strike first, attempting five shots and earning two penalty corners in the first quarter. However, their efforts were thwarted by solid defending from the Seahawks. The second period saw only one shot attempt from the Lions, but it was off target.
The second half witnessed a shift in momentum. St. Mary’s College controlled the third quarter, managing the only shot of the frame. In the fourth quarter, the Seahawks outshot Penn State Harrisburg 4-1, but neither team could find the back of the net, pushing the game into overtime.
Both goalkeepers remained steadfast during regulation. First-year goalkeeper Sophia Kent made critical saves in the second half, finishing the game with four stops to secure her first career solo shutout.
Key Stats and Insights
The game saw a balanced distribution of opportunities, with both teams registering eight shots apiece. Penn State Harrisburg slightly edged St. Mary’s College in penalty corners, 5-4. The win improved St. Mary’s College’s record in overtime games this season to 2-3.
Ziegler and graduate midfielder Anna Eaton each contributed two shots for the Seahawks, keeping the pressure on Penn State Harrisburg’s defense throughout the game. Meanwhile, Penn State Harrisburg’s Natalie Rocuskie led her team with four shots, three of which were on target.
Despite her team’s loss, Harrisburg goalkeeper Macenzie Mulholland was a standout performer, recording six saves to keep the Lions in contention until the overtime winner.
What’s Next for the Seahawks
St. Mary’s College now faces a crucial stretch of games, starting with a conference showdown on October 16 against Wilson College (9-2, 2-0 UEC) in Chambersburg, Pa. Following that, the Seahawks return home for a pair of non-conference matches. On October 17, they take on Meredith College (3-7) in a Senior Night contest, and on October 19, they will host Keystone College (5-6, 1-1 UEC) during Hawktoberfest.
