October 20, 2007

Blank, Griggs propel Spartans to 3-2 overtime win

Castleton, VT-Carolyn Griggs scored 3:34 into the first overtime period off a Meghan Konowich assist to propel the Castleton State College field hockey team to a 3-2 conference victory over Husson College.

The Spartans jumped out to an early lead when Kayla Blank misdirected a shot by Griggs past Husson goalie, Kelly Bocchino just over five minutes into the game.

Husson settled in and showed why they entered the contest a perfect 7-0, as Erica and Elisha Dorso each tallied first half goals to give the Eagles the 2-1 halftime advantage. Erica Dorso stole a misplayed clearing pass from the Castleton defense and sent home the equalizer with just under eight minutes remaining.  With 1:51 left Elisha Dorso made a similar play inside the circle and put the Eagles ahead.

In the second half both teams put together several scoring opportunities but both were turned away by some fine work in goal by Bocchino and Castleton’s Trisha Clark. Bocchino and Clark each ended the day with five saves.

Castleton appeared to tie the score with 21:42 remaining when Molly Fraher hit a rocket past Bocchino into the upper left corner, but the shot was ruled too high and the goal nullified.

Blank would make good on the equalizer with 15:15 remaining in the game after she put home a rebound off a Bocchino save.

That set the stage for Konowich and Griggs in overtime. Konowich had subbed in a mere 27 seconds prior to the game winner being scored.

Castleton improves to 11-4 overall with a 7-1 record in conference play. Husson wraps up its regular season 10-4 overall with an identical 7-1 record in NAC play. Both teams await the outcome of Maine-Farmington versus Simmons on Monday, October 22 to see how the NAC tournament pairings will end up. A Farmington win forces a three-way tie for first, while a loss would give Castleton the top seed and home-field advantage throughout.

The Spartans wrap up their regular season with a non-conference match-up Wednesday at Keene State. [Box Score]

Coaches' Player of the Game: Meghan Konowich

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