LYNCHBURG, Va. – For the second consecutive contest, the University of Lynchburg field hockey team delivered an overtime winner, as Abigail Junker found the back of the cage in extra time to lift the Hornets past Shenandoah, 3-2, on Saturday afternoon at Shellenberger Field.
Fresh off a dramatic overtime victory against Washington and Lee earlier in the week, Lynchburg (13-5, 8-0 ODAC) once again displayed its resilience, overcoming an early deficit and prevailing in extra time to conclude its regular-season conference slate with a perfect 8-0 record.
Shenandoah (12-4, 5-3 ODAC) came out aggressive in the opening quarter, generating seven shots and seven penalty corners. The visitors eventually broke through on a goal from Ava Fields, assisted by Kaitlyn Nakamura, to take a 1-0 advantage into the second frame.
However, Lynchburg responded with an offensive surge in the second quarter, led by Grace Peterson and Khanyisile Mzizi.
Peterson delivered a pair of goals in quick succession, both assisted by Mzizi, to turn the one-goal deficit into a 2-1 Lynchburg advantage. The two scores came less than a minute apart, giving Peterson her second multi-goal performance of the season.
The lead proved short-lived, as Shenandoah's Nakamura answered off an assist from Ellie Quinn to level the contest at two apiece.
Lynchburg continued to apply pressure before halftime, including an attempt from Sofia Boon that struck the post, but neither side could find another breakthrough before the intermission.
The second half featured a defensive battle, with both teams searching for the go-ahead goal. Shenandoah generated nine shots across the third and fourth quarters, while Lynchburg goalkeeper Shay Schoones helped keep the visitors off the scoreboard with four second-half saves.
The Hornets' defense held strong despite Shenandoah controlling much of the offensive pressure, sending the contest into overtime tied at 2-2.
In extra time, Shenandoah continued to threaten, registering three shots early in the period. Lynchburg eventually generated an opportunity of its own, as Mzizi put an attempt on goal that was turned away by Shenandoah goalkeeper Cassidy Alexander.
With the contest approaching the conclusion of the first overtime period, Lynchburg found its moment.
Allie Freeman connected with Junker, who buried the game-winning goal to secure the 3-2 victory and deliver the Hornets their second consecutive overtime triumph.
Peterson led Lynchburg offensively with two goals, while Mzizi recorded two assists. Junker added the decisive goal, and Freeman contributed an assist on the overtime winner.
Schoones finished with six saves in the cage, helping Lynchburg withstand a Shenandoah attack that held a 20-16 advantage in shots and a 15-8 edge in penalty corners.
The victory marks Lynchburg's second consecutive 3-2 overtime win, following Wednesday's thriller against Washington and Lee, and completes an undefeated 8-0 ODAC regular season for the Hornets.
Lynchburg will now turn its attention to the ODAC Tournament, where the Hornets will host a semifinal contest at Shellenberger Field.
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