DANVILLE, Ky.—The Bellarmine Knights field hockey team fired off twice the number of shots than the homestanding Centre Colonels, but the Knights only managed to get one of their 19 shots into the cage during the first 70 minutes. Meanwhile the Colonels capitalized on one of their few opportunities, getting a tying goal with less than two minutes remaining in regulation to send the game into overtime.
In the extra period, Centre had the first opportunity, but their shot off a penalty corner sailed high. This time the Knights didn't waste any shots as
Kelsey O'Bryan converted her first shot attempt in overtime to give the Knights a 2-1 victory 2:21 into the extra frame.
"Whenever we play Centre, it is always a hard fought game and very physical," said Bellarmine Coach
Mark Blankenbaker. "We had a hard time finishing but possessed the ball well on our free hits. We jumped to the ball on defense, which resulted in a goal against."
Blankenbaker said they regrouped before the overtime period. "We wanted to focus on our passing to reserve our energy," he said. "We made some great passes during the overtime, got in the circle and finished."
O'Bryan carried much of the offensive load for the Knights, firing off 10 shots and scoring both of the Bellarmine goals.
Dana Hemingway and
Aimee Ilgenfritz provided the assists.
The Knights were playing without
Alexis Van Wallaghen, who broke a finger in practice earlier this week. Her loss was significant because she was the second leading scorer on the team heading into tonight's contest.
For the game, Bellarmine outshot Centre 20-10, but got only eight shots on the frame. Centre goalie Kirby Roberts came up with six saves, including two in the final minute of regulation to help force the overtime.
Sara Nicolas worked the entire 72:21 for the Knights to pick up her second win of the year to improve her personal goalie record to 2-0 on the season.
Bellarmine improves to 6-3 overall while Centre slips to 5-4.
The Knights return home for a 1 p.m. game on Saturday against Eastern College Athletic Confernce foe Newberry College.
BOX SCORE (HTM)
