TROY, N.Y. (October 18, 2009) – Junior Lauren Griggs scored the game-winner and freshman Marguerite Chavez had a hand in all three goals as the No. 16 Stevens Institute of Technology field hockey team defeated Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 3-2, in overtime on Sunday afternoon at Harkness Field in Troy, N.Y. Chavez got the Ducks on the board in the first half, tied the game with 35 seconds left, and then set up Griggs 2:53 into the extra period. The win is the second overtime win in as many games for the Ducks who are now 12-3 on the season.
Stevens controlled the first half out-shooting the Engineers (3-11 overall) 7-4 and holding a 4-3 edge in corners. Stevens was able to take a one-goal lead into the break as Chavez found the back of the net with an unassisted tally at the 27:21 mark.
RPI picked up its intensity in the second half and was able to score two unanswered goals. Freshman Hanna Kaplan (Danbury, Conn.) knotted the game at one apiece with a goal four minutes into the second half. Junior Jessica Corrigan (South Burlington, Ver.) then put RPI up 2-1 in the 61st minute, netting a shot after a pass from senior Shaina Feldman (Phoenixville, Pa.).
Down one in the final moments, the Ducks got a penalty corner. The ball was shot in front and Chavez was there to put in the rebound after sophomore goalkeeper Brianna Earle (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) made the initial save.
In the overtime period Chavez, brought the ball into the circle and made a perfect pass across the goal from right to left to an open Griggs who put it in for the score. It was her fourth goal of the season and third game-winner. Chavez was credited with her fifth assist and team-high 17th point.
Stevens has now won four overtime games this season and is 7-2 in contests decided by one goal. Junior Ellyn Griggs got the win between the pipes for Stevens. She was credited with three saves. Earle took the loss and made five stops for the Engineers.
The Ducks ended the contest with a 19-14 advantage in shots and RPI held an 8-7 edge in corners.
Chavez's tallies were her fifth and sixth of the season. She is now one-goal behind sophomore Mallory Swanson for the team lead.
Stevens will return to action on October 24 when it hosts Elmira College at 1 p.m. The game will be webcast live at www.pennatlantic.com/main.php.
