Miami University
Monmouth University
RedHawks Drop Overtime Heartbreaker to Monmouth
9/2/2011 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Sept. 2, 2011
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - The Miami University field hockey team took a two-goal lead over Monmouth Friday afternoon, but the Hawks were able to overcome the deficit to earn a 3-2 victory in overtime. The RedHawks fall to 0-3 on the year, while Monmouth improves to 1-2.
The first half was played primarily in the midfield throughout the first 20 minutes. The first shot of the game by either team was not registered until the 15th minute when Monmouth broke though, but Sarah Mueller was able to make the save to keep it scoreless. Less than a minute later, the Hawks' Kimmy Baligian took a shot off the penalty corner that Ali Froede made a great defensive save on.
The RedHawks recorded their first goal of the season in the 28th minute off of a penalty corner. Olivia Miller sent the corner to Amanda Seeley, who found freshman Gabby Goldach for her first career goal. Miami made it 2-0 less than two minutes later when Brittany Branco found Miller low and near the post. Miller put the ball just inside the post for her first goal of the season. The two-goal lead held up going into the halftime break.
Monmouth cut the RedHawks' lead in half in the 40th minute when it scored off of a penalty corner. The Hawks were then able to tie it up with a goal in the 49th minute. Miami held Monmouth without a shot for the remainder of the half, but had both of their attempts stopped by the Hawks keeper, so the game headed into overtime.
Emily Gruesser and Goldach had shot attempts for the RedHawks in the overtime period, but both were saved. Monmouth was able to win the game in the 81st minute when Patricia O'Dwyer found Michelle Pieczynski for a one-touch goal.
Goldach led the way for Miami with four shots, three of which were on goal. Monmouth outshot the Red and White 12-9, but the RedHawks had the penalty corner advantage at 11-6. Mueller made three saves in the first half before giving way to backup Christina Heston. Heston made two saves the rest of the way.
Miami will complete its swing through the state of New Jersey with a trip to Rutgers on Sunday. Game time is scheduled for noon.
