MADISON, N.J. (October 7, 2009) – The Drew University Rangers defeated the No. 15 Stevens Institute of Technology field hockey team, 3-2, in double overtime in Madison, N.J. on Wednesday night at Ranger Stadium. The loss ends a seven-game winning streak for the Ducks who fall to 9-2 on the season. Sophomore Meghan Broderick and junior Kara Borzillo tallied the Stevens goals, and senior Elizabeth Law (Manahawkin, N.J.) recorded the game-winner for Drew.
Broderick gave the Ducks a 1-0 lead at the 11:31 mark with an unassisted tally. The play began on a corner with junior Lauren Griggs taking a shot and Broderick being in the right spot to bang home the rebound. It was her first goal of the season and fourth point.
Senior captain Kara Borzillo pushed the Stevens lead to two thanks to a nice cross from the right of the circle by freshman Mary Nikish. It was Borzillo's sixth goal of 2009 and it came at the 15:17 mark. The assist was the first career point for Nikish.
Drew's Nicole DiBattista (Newton, N.J.) sliced the Duck lead in half with a tally on a penalty corner with 10:17 to play in the first half as Stevens would go into the break holding a 2-1 lead.
Another corner from the Rangers (9-3) tied the score at two with 8:06 to play in regulation. Junior Kati Eggert (Denville, N.J.) inserted to sophomore Melissa Kistle (Newton, N.J.) who was able to stop for DiBattista to shoot towards goal. Waiting in front was sophomore Meghan Howlett (Garwood, N.J.), who redirected into the net to equalize.
After a back-and-forth regulation, Drew's offense played very well in the overtime periods, but junior Ellyn Griggs came up with one huge save after another. In the 10-minute span from the start of the second OT to Law's game-winner, Griggs made ten saves, all of the highest quality. The Rangers were eventually able to get the upset with just 4:10 left in the period as DiBattista made a great play to keep the ball in play, and Law was able to punch it home on her third try in front.
Drew ended the contest with a 22-7 advantage in shots and each team took 11 corners. Griggs was credited with a career-high 18 saves but took the loss.
Neither team got a shot off in the first overtime period but Drew outshot the Ducks 11-0 in the second overtime. Stevens is now 2-2 in overtime games this season.
Stevens will look to get back to its winning ways when it hosts Empire 8 rival Utica College on Saturday evening. Game time is slated for 5 p.m. at the De Baun Athletic Complex. For those unable to make the trip, the contest will be webcast live at www.PennAtlantic.com/main.php.
