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Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University Pioneers

Field Hockey

Carney's Game Winner Gives Pioneers 3-2 Win over Rider, NEC Playoff Berth

Oct. 22, 2006

Final Stats

Lawrenceville, NJ - Senior Colleen Carney (Yorktown Heights, NY) scored the game winning goal with 6:13 left in the second overtime and sophomore Whitney Mills (Harrisburg, PA) made 19 saves in goal as Sacred Heart beat Rider, 3-2, in double overtime in field hockey action Sunday at Rider Field.

With the win and other NEC results Sunday, the Pioneers (13-4, 5-2 NEC) have clinched a spot in the Northeast Conference playoffs and will have a chance to defend their NEC championship from last season. Sacred Heart currently sits in second place in the standings, one game behind Lock Haven.

Carney was sent off with a yellow card one minute into the second overtime. After serving the penalty, she came back on the field and scored the game winner for the Pioneers.The goal was set-up by sophomore Melissa Mazin (Putnam Valley, NY), who figured in on each of the Pioneer goals. Mazin ripped a shot and Carney was in front of the net to deflect it past Broncs goaltender Krysta Bearish for the goal. It was Carney's 11th goal of the year and team leading sixth game winner of the season.

The Pioneers got on the scoreboard first when junior Leah Stoehr (Hummelstown, PA) tipped in a a shot by Mazin at the 9:24 mark. Mandy Hunter scored for Rider off a feed from Tricia Crotty at the 28:58 mark to send the game to the half tied.

Mazin gave Sacred Heart the lead back at the 49:49 mark when she tipped home an intial shot by sophomore Carisa Eye (Nesconset, NY). However, the Broncs would come back and tie the game again. Julie Vaccarelli was awarded a penalty shot at the 64:18 mark which she converted, sending the game to overtime.

Rider controlled most of the game, statistically. The Broncs out shot the Pioneers 35-16 and earned 19 penalty corners to the Pioneers 10. However, Mills strong performance in goal helped the Pioneer to victory.

The Pioneers close out the regular season next Sunday with a visit to Siena. Game time is 1:00 pm. The NEC playoffs will take place November 3-4 at the home of the highest seed.

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