WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - The Monmouth University field hockey team opened up the season with a 2-1 overtime victory over BIG EAST opponent Villanova on Friday afternoon at "So Sweet A Cat" Field.
Monmouth (1-0), who opened up a season with a home win for the second straight year, claimed its first all-time victory over the Wildcats (0-1).
"I'm just really proud of the girls, they made the decision to play as a team," said head coach Carli Figlio. "They really came together and proved to themselves they can beat anyone if they put their mind to it."
Morganne Firmstone (Honesdale, Pa./Honesdale) tallied the game winner just 45 seconds into the overtime period on a penalty stroke. Freshman Ali Askinas (West Chester, Pa./B. Reed Henderson) intercepted the ball near midfield and found Michelle Pieczynski (Doylestown, Pa./Central Bucks West) down the left side. The sophomore carried the ball into the circle and found an open Kimmy Baligian (Whitehouse Station, N.J./Hunterdon Central) who drew the penalty stroke. Firmstone buried the stroke inside the left post giving the Hawks the win.
The Wildcats struck first just five minutes into the match as Jordan Lynn took advantage of a penalty stroke for her first goal of the season. Meredith Sabatini took the ball into the circle and was able to draw a penalty on the Hawks setting up Lynn for the free stroke.
In the 29th minute, the Hawks tied the game as junior Kayleigh Kalamar (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom) took a penalty corner and sent it to Firmstone on the left side. The senior fired an open shot to the far post just under Goelz left pad to even the score going into half.
Melissa Katz (Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth Regional) earned the win making three saves. Goelz is credited with the loss making one save.
The Hawks held the advantage in penalty corners 11-5 and shots 8-7.
"Winning at home, especially on opening weekend, is extremely important," said Figlio. "It really sets us up to do well for the rest of the season and having our young kids play as well as they did today, I'm extremely excited for what we can do the rest of the season."
The Blue and White return to action next Saturday as they welcome in Richmond to "So Sweet A Cat" for a 12 p.m. start.
