Oct. 26, 2008
Final Stats
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - Caroline Hunnewell's sudden death goal with 11 minutes remaining in double overtime lifted the Siena field hockey team to its first win of the season, defeating Monmouth 2-1 this afternoon at Siena Turf Field. The win snapped a 17-game losing streak for the Saints dating back to last year and was the team's first overtime triumph since a 3-2 win over UMBC on Oct. 19, 2003.
As well as the Saints (1-14, 1-5) played in the first half, it was Monmouth (3-14, 2-4) that made the most of its opportunities. The Hawks opened the scoring first in the ninth minute on Molly Passarella's fourth goal of the season. Passarella stick-handled deep into the Siena zone and blasted a one-timer from ten yards out into the back of the cage. Passarella led Monmouth with ten total shots, seven of which were on goal.
Monmouth out-shot the Saints by a commanding 17-1 margin in the first half and was awarded ten penalty corners, but could not take advantage in extending its lead. That left the door open for the feisty Saints to regain momentum.
After several scoring chances went by the wayside, the Saints finally evened the score in the 45th minute. A long entry pass was deflected into the circle where Jenn Reich with her back to the goal corralled possession. Reich then astutely noticed teammate Kristin McGorty breaking down the left side and backhanded to her a pass which she put into the back of the cage for her second score of the season. The goal marked Siena's first in its past five games.
Both teams had their chances through the remainder of regulation, but could not gain the upper hand. Hunnewell did her best to keep the score even, making a sensational defensive save with 15 minutes remaining on a shot destined for the back of the goal. Monmouth out-shot the Saints 25-9 in regulation while taking 18 short corners to the Saints' five.
Despite playing six-on-six for the first 15 minute sudden death overtime, neither team could take advantage of the wide open field, thus sending the game to a second session.
In the second overtime, Siena dominated right off the bat setting up the game-winning opportunity. Off of a short corner, Andrea Caso had her shot blocked but the rebound trickled out to Hunnewell at the top of the circle and she blasted it home five hole past Hawks' goalie Melissa Katz as the Saints stormed the field. It was the first goal of the season for Hunnewell and first overall since her freshman year when she played a forward position.
Monmouth out-shot the Saints 27-15, although Siena held a 6-2 advantage in shots over the two overtime periods. Additionally, Monmouth held a 20-10 edge in penalty corners with half of the Saints' opportunities coming after regulation. Both shot and corner totals were season-highs for Siena.
Goalie Renee Clavette again was huge in the cage for the Saints, recording 11 saves. McGorty and Caso each registered five shots for Siena on the offensive end.
The victory was the Saints' first since Senior Day of last Oct. 12, 2007, a 1-0 win over visiting Fairfield and the first win as well over Monmouth in their last five meetings, dating back to Oct. 5, 2003. Meanwhile, Monmouth fell to 0-5 in overtime games this season.
The Saints return to action on Halloween afternoon next Friday against Lock Haven. Game time is slated for 3:30 p.m.
