WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Monmouth University sophomore Michelle Pieczynski (Doylestown, Pa./Central Buck West) scored 3:08 into the second overtime to lead the field hockey team to a 1-0 victory over Northeast Conference opponent Bryant, Sunday afternoon at So Sweet A Cat Field.
Senior Morganne Firmstone (Honesdale, Pa./Honesdale) took control of the ball near midfield where she sent a pass to sophomore Kimmy Baligian (Whitehouse Station, N.J./Hunterdon Central) who dribbled into the circle and blasted a shot that was saved by Bryant goalkeeper Jennifer Gullotti. Pieczynski collected the rebound and shot the ball inside the left post, which found the netting, for her 13th score and her first game-winner of the season.
"To play double overtime is both physically and mentally wearing," said head coach Carli Figlio. "We had a ton of opportunities and was nice to see us finally finish. The defense had a great game and it is a true testament of how hard our team works to be able to come away with the win."
Monmouth (13-3, 5-0 NEC) controlled the first half, attempting 10 shots, seven on target. Pieczynski broke away from the Bryant (6-11, 3-2 NEC) defense 20 minutes into the game and was stopped by Gullotti on the doorstep. Firmstone had an opportunity three minutes later, missing a shot off a corner just wide of the far post.
Baligian nearly put the Hawks ahead five minutes into the second half as her shot went underneath Gullotti's pads, but Rachel Blitz was on the goal line for the defensive save to preserve the 0-0 game. The sophomore fired a shot seven minutes into the first overtime session that hit off the post, keeping the game scoreless.
Senior Melissa Katz (Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth Regional [Michigan State]) registered her fourth straight shutout, not being forced to make a save while Gullotti made nine saves in the losing effort.
The Hawks outshot the Bulldogs, 12-2, including 4-1 in the overtimes and controlled the penalty corners, 12-3.
With the win, Monmouth has clinched its second straight Northeast Conference Tourament birth, and its seventh in program history.
Monmouth returns to action on Friday, October 29th as it travel to Lawrenceville, N.J. for a battle with in-state rival Rider, with first place on the line, starting at 4 p.m.
