Box Score PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Sacred Heart University field hockey team fell to Brown in overtime on Sunday afternoon as the Bears converted a penalty stroke halfway through the extra period to win 2-1.
SHU's Liz Bergman had the first opportunity in the overtime period as Brown goalkeeper Shannon McSweeney saved her shot in the 76th minute. The Bears' penalty stroke goal, scored by Lucy Green, came two minutes later to secure the 2-1 victory.
After a scoreless first half, the Pioneers came close to taking the lead in the 45th minute when Nichole Tolli hit the post. Brown went ahead four minutes later on an Alexis Miller goal from a penalty corner. Sacred Heart responded quickly with a goal from Olivia Volpe in the 54th minute. It was the freshman's second goal of the season. Christine Mace assisted on the goal to tie for the team-lead in assists at three.
Despite outshooting the Bears 11-5 in the second period, Brown nearly won the game close to the end of regulation in the 68th minute. Sarah Bergman was forced to make a defensive save after Sacred Heart goalkeeper Mary Altepeter had stopped a Bears' shot just moments earlier.
The first half saw both teams record five shots. The Pioneers were more dangerous early as Mace fired the first shot on net in the fifth minute. Bergman forced another save by McSweeney three minutes later after a shot from a penalty corner. It was not until the 26th minute that Altepeter was forced to make a save. Four minutes later, Brown nearly took the lead as a Katrina Angus' shot hit the post.
Sacred Heart outshot the Bears 18-12 for the game. The Pioneers also held a 9-3 edge in penalty corners. Altepeter recorded six saves in the defeat, while McSweeney saved 9 Pioneer shots to earn the win.
SHU travels to Pennsylvania next weekend for a two-game road trip. On Saturday, they visit Lock Haven for a 2 pm start. They will then travel to Lehigh for a 1 pm match on Sunday.
