Lynchburg, Va. -- The Lynchburg Field Hockey team opened up the 2016 season with a hard-earned victory over Stevenson University, 2-1 in overtime Friday evening in a non-conference battle at Shellenberger Field.

The Hornets and Mustangs took five shots each in the first half but Stevenson was the side that connected and took the lead at the 25 minute mark with an unnassisted goal by Sara McVey. The Hornets had multiple attacks that had potential but could only get one shot off before the horn sounded for halftime.

After the break both teams came out firing, combining for seven shots in the first seven minutes but both goalkeepers looked to be in mid-season form as they combined for 14 saves. The duel of the keepers was finally broken as sophomore Kayla Copeman swiped a deflected a cross out of the air and into the back of the net to even the score with 20 minutes left to play. 

Both teams had at a two-on-one advantage on attack at least once in the second half but neither team could capatalize and the horn sounded for the end of the second period with things all knotted up at 1-1.

Overtime began and so did the push by the Hornets. They rattled off two shots in the first two minutes but junior Lacey Elliott was the one who netted the game winner after a great individual play three minutes into the overtime period. After recieving the ball at midfield, Elliott headed to the right sideline where shrugged off one defender and poked the ball through another's legs. After using her speed to get into the circle she brushed off the last defender and finished the incredible run beautifully with a flick past the goalkeeper. Elliott finished with six shots, as did sophomore Nikki Simpao.

With the win, the ladies move to 1-0 and their quest of winning the ODAC Championship starts off on the right foot. The Hornets are back in action at home on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 8pm when they host Bridgewater College.