WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Senior Elyssa Okken scored 6:02 into the first overtime period to complete the come-from-behind 3-2 win for the Monmouth University field hockey team over visiting Ohio, Sunday afternoon in its home opener.
The Bobcats carried a 2-0 lead late into the second half before sophomore Meg de Lange connected on her own rebound into the far netting to cut the lead to one in the 53rd minute. Less than three minutes later, second-year Hawk Ireen Frenken redirected a shot off a corner from Annie Deusch to even the score. In the extra session, senior Josephine van der Hoop played the ball towards the endline and sent a cross to Okken, who dove and redirected the ball inside the far post for her second career game-winner.
Sophomore Gabi Millan finished the afternoon with eight saves, including turning away a pair of shots during the overtime period.
NOTES & QUOTES
"It was a really important win for us. Obviously, our home opener on our beautiful new turf, but in celebration of our alumni who set the foundation for where we are as a program today. Having so many new faces out on the field, it was amazing to see us pull out a gritty win this afternoon." – Head Coach Carli Figlio
- The Hawks have won 21 straight regular season games on their home turf dating back to the 2015 season.
- The Hawks are 8-4 in home openers under Carli Figlio, having won the last six openers.
- As a program, the Hawks are 10-12 all-time in home openers.
- Today's game marks the first meeting between the Hawks and Ohio.
- Monmouth has won its last five overtime games.
- Irene Frenken and Meg de Lange both registered their first career goals.
- Annie Deusch picked up her second career assist.
- With her helper, Josephine van der Hoop now has 49 career points.
- Gabi Millan earned her second career victory in cage.
NUMBERS CRUNCH
- Monmouth outshot the Bobcats, 17-14, while holding a slight 6-5 advantage in attacking corners.
- de Lange led the way with four shot attempts, while freshman Annick van Lange and Frenken each had three attempts each.
NEXT UP
The Blue and White return to action next week as it faces Hofstra on Sunday, September 2nd (1 p.m.) before a Labor Day tilt in New York City against Columbia (6:30 p.m.).
-@MonmouthFH-
