Field Hockey Defeats Scranton 3-2 in Double OT

HUNTINGDON, Pa.- The last four times that the Juniata and Scranton and field hockey teams have played each other, each contest has gone into overtime. Saturday's game became the fifth one and it was the Eagles who overcame a 2-0 deficit to win in two extra periods 3-2.

Early on in the first half, Juniata controlled possession in the Scranton zone and had a pair of shots but came up empty. The Royals did not get into Juniata territory often as the Eagles' defense held firm. Juniata had a chance to take the lead late with a 1:44 to go until halftime. JC was granted a penalty stroke but Lindsay Scholten's (Apex, N.C./Brookfield (Conn.)) attempt was turned away by Scranton goalie Tate Ackerman.

The Royals broke through at 41:06 on a goal by Meredith Campbell. They would put another one through at 53:22 to go up 2-0.

The Eagles got on the board just over two minutes later. Rebecca Waite's (Landenburg, Pa./Avon Grove) shot was saved by Ackerman. Meredith Shepard (Cazenovia, N,Y./Cazenovia) picked up the loose ball and found Grace Kuszmaul (Moorestown, N.J./Moorestown) for the goal as the score was now 2-1.

Both teams battled for the next 14:20 of the half. Juniata was able to get three shots off but to no avail. The Eagles had possession with less than a minute to play. Needing a score to send the game to a possible overtime, JC got the goal it needed as Shephard assisted Waite with 56 seconds left for the goal to knot the game at 2-2.

JC dominated the first overtime with a 6-1 shot advantage. The Eagles were granted five consecutive corners but could not get a winning score. In the second overtime, Madison Miller (York, Pa./West York Area HS) was granted at corner at 86:17. Eight seconds later, Shephard once again fed the ball to Waite who got a shot past Ackerman and in for the game winner.

Overall, Juniata held a 17-5 advantage in shots and 20-7 lead in corners. It was a chippy game with a total of four yellow cards issued (three for Scranton and one for Juniata) and two greens given out.

Kylie Edwards (Danville, Pa./Danville) faced two shots and made one save in the cage. Ackerman had 10 saves with Jessica Kaplowitz adding two defensive saves.

The Eagles get right back on the field tomorrow afternoon when they travel to Virginia to play Bridgewater in a non-conference game. Start time is at 3:00 p.m.