BRIGHTON, Mass. – First-year Katy Paveglio recorded her first collegiate career goal, scoring the game-winner two minutes into overtime to propel Simmons field hockey (6-1, 4-1 GNAC) win over New England College (3-5, 3-3 GNAC) on Monday evening.
It was a defensive battle for the majority of the night. Junior defender Ali Michalik an integral member of the Sharks back that kept the contest scoreless throughout the first half. Both teams had opportunities to score to take a lead into halftime, but were unable to break through.
Following a scoreless third quarter, junior forward Sydney Gonyea finally broke up the stalemate a minute into the fourth. Sprinting up the field and moments after entering the arc, Gonyea fired a shot, with authority, into the bottom right corner of the cage to give the Sharks 1-0 lead.
There was no let-up by the Pilgrims offense. Late in the game, Simmons first-year goalkeeper Haley Bright came up with a pair of big saves to keep it a 1-0 game. However, New England was able to tie the game coming off a penalty corner with just under two minutes left to force overtime.
The Sharks defense took a stand at the beginning of overtime with a blocked shot and another save by Bright. It energized the Sharks' offense. As they made their way down the far side of the field, Paveglio collected a pass from sophomore Zoe Schmaling before lacing the ball into bottom corner.
SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS
- First-year Katy Paveglio registered the game-winner with her first goal of her collegiate career.
- Junior Sydney Gonyea notched her fourth goal of the season in the 46th minute.
- First-year goalkeeper Haley Bright earned her fourth win of the season, registering four saves.
UP NEXT
Simmons breaks from conference play when they host Wheaton College on Wednesday, September 27 at 6:30 p.m.