LEWISBURG, PA- Monmouth University (4-3) senior Michelle Gonzales' (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) goal with 2:28 remaining broke a tie game and led to the Hawks' 17-16 shootout win over Bucknell University (3-2) on Wednesday afternoon.

"Today was a tale of two halves,” said Monmouth Head Coach Eileen Ghent. “I thought we executed well in the first half, but had lapses during the final 30 minutes. We now have different things to work on in order to continue to improve and prepare for the next game."

The Hawks built a 15-9 advantage midway through the second half on Gonzales' first goal of the game but Bucknell roared back scoring seven of the next eight goals. Bison Eve Lukowski's goal with 3:08 left completed the comeback, tying the game up 16-16. The Hawks won the ensuing draw came down the field and retook the lead with 2:29 to play on Gonzales' second goal of the game. The Bison won the ensuing draw but turned it over and senior Kristina Vangeli (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) was able to gather the loose ball securing the win for the Hawks.

"I thought our attack was very smart today,” said Ghent. “We relied on them to keep up our momentum and to possess the ball is tough situations. Marial Pierce showed her true colors today and really took control when we needed her too. She's such an explosive player, but her game sense pulled us through today."

Marial Pierce (Middleburg, VA/St. John's Catholic Prep) led all players with eight points on two goals and six assists to go along with seven draw controls. Pierces' six assists ties her with former Hawk Stacy Sydlo (Austin) for second most in a single game. Her eight points is tied for the fourth most in school history. Sophomore Alexa Smith (West Hampton Beach, NY/Westhampton Beach HS) was right behind with a career-high seven points, coming on five goals and two assists. Gonzales and sophomore Caroline Corbliss (Marriottsville, MD/Marriotts Ridge) each had four points in the Hawk win. Monmouth netminder Caroline Huelster (Mount Laurel, NJ/Lenape) had a career-high 14 saves in the win for the Hawks, including nine in the first half.

Monmouth took a 12-6 lead into halftime, with Smith and Corbliss scoring a trio of goals each. Pierce had five points in the first 30 minutes, tallying two goals and three assists for the Blue & White. The Hawks shot out to a 4-0 lead, including two goals from Corbliss before Bucknell answered with an Emily Becker goal. Carly Sane's (Clifton, VA/Centreville) goal at the 11:44 mark gave the Hawks a 10-3 lead. Bucknell scored three more times to cut the MU lead to 11-5 before Kate Ryan's (Morton, Pa./Springfield) first goal of the game closed the first half scoring at 12-6.

In addition to her 14 saves, Huelster had three ground balls and a caused turnover. Bucknell employed two goalies who combined for seven saves. Bucknell controlled the draw 19-15 and outshot Monmouth 39-27, including 20-7 in the final 30 minutes of play.

"Caroline continues to hold down the defense,” said Ghent. “She did her job today and did it well. We are all very proud of her."

Lukowski finished with five points as did Maddy Molinari for the Bisons. Christina Manis had six points on one goal and five assists in the contest.

The Hawks continue the week on the road, facing Delaware on Saturday in Newark at 1 PM.