Box Score For immediate release - 9/12/2015 - #042
LeMaire Nets Game Winner as Field Hockey Wins 3-2 in OT
READING, PA – Sophomore midfielder Karissa LeMaire scored the game-winning goal in overtime in a 3-2 non-conference victory for the Lynchburg College field hockey team at Alvernia University on Saturday.
Kayla Copeman sped by the Crusader defense on the right side before she approached the goal and sent a ball to LeMaire, who tipped it in past the diving goalkeeper for the game's final score.
It took a whole half of action for either team to get on the scoreboard, tied 0-0 after the first period of play despite multiple chances on short corners for both squads.
Early in the second half Alvernia would get on the board first when Paige Epler passed to Summer Liberto for the goal at the 37:33 mark. At this point on the road in the pouring rain, Lynchburg was now facing their first deficit of the season. But the Hornets were quick to answer.
Within a minute of being down by one, Lynchburg quickly worked the ball up the field to Alyssa Mills who drew a foul inside of the circle, resulting in a penalty stroke for the Hornets. Freshman Nicole Simpao would line up and finish the stroke in the left side of the cage to even the score.
Following Simpao's goal, Mills created another opportunity for LC as she broke inside along the endline. The junior attacker sent the ball across the face of the goal to find Copeman, who scored to give Lynchburg the first lead of the game three minutes after scoring its first tally.
The home team was determined to keep it close, though, as Natalie Messaros assisted Hailey Knowlton in the 61st minute to even the count 2-2. Nine minutes of intense play would follow before the end of regulation.
It only took a minute and 34 seconds for the Hornets to score in the overtime period and escape the cold, wet weather to drive home to Lynchburg with a win.
Alvernia (2-2) had many dangerous opportunities on corners on Saturday, leading 12-6 in that category and scoring both of their goals on the day during the brief times of advantage.
LC netminder Beka Hess made four saves on the afternoon.
Lynchburg (4-0) continues its undefeated start to the season and will play host to Mary Washington University on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
