Box Score FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Sarah Bergman converted a penalty stroke just over six minutes into overtime to give the Sacred Heart University field hockey a win in its MAAC conference opener at Campus field on Sunday afternoon.
Bergman's opportunity came after Nichole Tolli was fouled inside the circle after creating a one-on-one opportunity. Bryant goalkeeper Megan Hancock was able to get a piece of Bergman's shot but it had enough power to just make it just over the line. It was her third goal of the season, all of which have come on penalty strokes, and her first game-winner of the year.
Sacred Heart (7-6, 1-0 MAAC) opened the scoring less than five minutes into the game on a Danielle Gallagher goal. Christine Mace dribbled down the right side and got a shot off that was saved by Hancock. The rebound deflected to Gallagher in front of net and she was able to put it in for her fourth goal of the season.
It did not take Bryant (3-9, 0-1 MAAC) long to equalize as they tied it in the 14th minute. After Sacred Heart goalkeeper Mary Altepeter came out to defend Victoria Danby, Danby was able to find Bethany Winkin wide open in front of the net. Winkin converted on the opportunity to tie the game at 1-1.
Both teams had opportunities to take the lead heading into halftime. Bryant put thier only other shot on net in the 24th minute, as Altepeter was able to save a Camryn Bernheimer effort. Seconds before break, Gallagher nearly gave SHU the lead as she dribbled toward goal and fired a shot that was saved by Hancock.
Bryant had the first opportunity in the second period as a Danby's shot from a penalty corner hit the post in the 50th minute. Hancock then saved the only two shots on net in the second half to help keep the game scoreless. The first came on a Liz Bergman shot in the 56th minute. Four minutes later, Lauren Lawson created Sacred Heart's best opportunity to win the game in regulation after she dribbled past multiple defenders only to be denied by Hancock as she got to the net.
Altepeter recorded one save to pick up the victory. Hancock saved six shots as the Pioneers outshot the Bulldogs 19-6. SHU also held a 10-4 advantage in penalty corners.
SHU will continue conference play next Sunday as they host Monmouth at Campus Field for a 1 pm start.
