DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Despite a goal from graduate student Jessica Evans (Canastota, N.Y./Canastota), the Mercy University Field Hockey Team dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to NE10 foe Franklin Pierce University on Wednesday afternoon at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (3-8, 2-4 NE10) have dropped three games in a row and fall to the Ravens (2-7, 1-4 NE10) for the second straight year.
The first quarter began with both teams exchanging possession and defensive stops, setting a competitive tone. Sophomore Kaylise McClure (Lake Grove, N.Y./Sachem North) played a pivotal role in goal, making crucial saves against shots from Franklin Pierce's Sage Clukey and Delaney Condon. Mercy applied pressure through penalty corners, with senior Samantha Trickel (Ottsville, Pa./Palisades) executing multiple entries into the attacking area, but shots by Evans and sophomore Charlotte Sabert (Mohegan Lake, N.Y./Lakeland) went wide of the target.
Despite several offensive opportunities, including a shot on goal by sophomore Madison Brefka (Cicero, N.Y./Cicero North Syracuse) saved by Franklin Pierce's Zoe Noorlag, neither team managed to capitalize on their chances. The quarter closed with a scoreless tie, as both defenses held strong, leaving the game at 0-0.
Mercy seized a decisive moment late in the quarter. At 28:47, Evans secured the first goal of the match, assisted by Trickel, marking Evans' seventh goal of the season. This breakthrough came following a penalty corner by Trickel and shifted momentum firmly in favor of Mercy. The quarter closed with Mercy ahead, maintaining a 1-0 lead over the Ravens.
The third quarter of play saw a significant shift as the Ravens capitalized on a penalty corner opportunity. Abigail Tarka found the back of the net at 37:07, assisted by Condon, bringing the score to 1-1. Mercy responded with a strong offensive push, highlighted by multiple attempts from Sabert and others, but the Ravens' goalkeeper, Noorlag, made several crucial saves to maintain the tie.
Despite Mercy's persistent efforts, including a series of penalty corners led by Trickel, their attempts were thwarted by Franklin Pierce's defense. The quarter concluded with both teams locked at 1-1, setting up a tense final quarter.
The fourth quarter began with Franklin Pierce attempting to shift the momentum, quickly launching an offensive with multiple shots. Mercy's defense, led by goalkeeper McClure, effectively thwarted these attempts, registering crucial saves at 49:43 and 51:16.
Mercy capitalized on defensive pressure, earning a series of penalty corners initiated by Trickel. Although the team maintained offensive pressure, they were unable to convert these opportunities into a goal.
As the quarter neared conclusion, both teams struggled to break the deadlock. Regulation ended with the score tied at 1-1, sending the game into overtime.
The overtime period commenced with both teams vying for decisive control. However, Franklin Pierce's Reese Swanson scored just 55 seconds into the period, with an assist from Aria Caputo. This goal concluded the overtime period with the Ravens securing a 2-1 victory over the Mavericks.
Sabert led the Mavericks' offense with six shots, four of which were on goal. Trickel contributed to the team's playmaking by recording an assist. Evans found the back of the net, scoring one goal from three shots. In goal, McClure posted nine saves, facing 11 shots to anchor the defense.
Swanson delivered a crucial performance by scoring the game-winning goal during overtime. Tarka was effective in front of the net, converting one of her two shots on goal to add to the team's tally. Caputo contributed significantly to the attacking play with an assist, setting up a key scoring opportunity. Condon was active, recording an assist and leading the team with four shots, three of which were on target. Meanwhile, Noorlag anchored the defense, making seven saves to secure the victory.
Franklin Pierce held a 19-12 edge in shots, a 11-8 edge in shots on goal and a 14-13 edge in penalty corners.
In their next game, the Mavericks will travel to Colchester, Vt., to face Saint Michael's College on October 11 at 11 a.m.
