LYNCHBURG, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg field hockey team emerged victorious in a thrilling overtime battle against Washington and Lee on Wednesday evening, as Khanyisile Mzizi delivered the game-winning goal to lift the Hornets past the Generals, 3-2, at Shellenberger Field.
In a matchup between the top two teams in the ODAC standings, Lynchburg (12-5, 7-0 ODAC) overcame an early second-half deficit, surrendered a late equalizer and ultimately prevailed in extra time to remain undefeated in conference play.
Neither side was able to break through during the opening half, despite both teams generating scoring opportunities. Washington and Lee (11-4, 6-1 ODAC) tested Lynchburg goalkeeper Shay Schoones twice in the opening quarter, while the Hornets had three shots turned away by the Generals' defense. Lynchburg's Allie Freeman also came up with a crucial defensive save in the second quarter to preserve the scoreless tie heading into halftime.
The Generals finally broke the deadlock in the third quarter when Madeline Lancione found the back of the cage to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
However, Lynchburg responded before the conclusion of the period. Grace Peterson connected with Taylor Secrist, who buried the equalizer to bring the Hornets level at one apiece heading into the final frame.
With the contest hanging in the balance, Lynchburg earned a penalty corner late in the fourth quarter. Secrist once again delivered, finishing a feed from Mzizi to put the Hornets ahead 2-1 with less than two minutes remaining in regulation.
Just when Lynchburg appeared poised to secure the victory, Washington and Lee mounted one final response. Zoe Dolfis scored off an assist from Libby Bowers in the closing moments of regulation, leveling the contest at 2-2 and forcing overtime.
The extra period featured opportunities on both ends of the field. Peterson registered a pair of shots on goal for Lynchburg, while Schoones made two saves to keep the Generals from completing the comeback.
With the Hornets continuing to apply pressure, Lynchburg earned another penalty corner in overtime. Freeman connected with Mzizi, who delivered the decisive finish to seal the dramatic 3-2 victory and send the Hornets home victorious.
Secrist led Lynchburg's offensive effort with two goals on three shots, marking her first multi-goal performance of the contest. Mzizi finished with a goal and an assist, while Peterson and Freeman each contributed an assist.
Schoones anchored the defensive effort with six saves, while Freeman added a defensive save. Lynchburg held a 9-5 advantage in penalty corners, while Washington and Lee narrowly outshot the Hornets 12-11.
Lynchburg will conclude its regular-season slate on Saturday, Oct. 31, hosting Shenandoah for Senior Day before turning its attention to the ODAC Tournament, where the Hornets will host a semifinal matchup.
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