HOBOKEN, N.J. (September 5, 2009) – Senior captain Kara Borzillo used a perfect pass from freshman Marguerite Chavez to score the game-winning goal 5:39 into overtime as the No. 15 Stevens Institute of Technology field hockey team moved to 2-0 with a 2-1 win over Ramapo College in the opening game of the Stevens Field Hockey Invitational on Saturday afternoon at the De Baun Athletic Complex. Senior captain Elizabeth Zmijewski sparked the game-deciding breakaway for the Ducks after causing a Roadrunner turnover from 30 yards out. Juniata College defeated King's College in overtime in the second game of the day.
After 70 minutes of action, the two teams were knotted at one and extra time was needed. From the opening hit of overtime, Stevens had the ball deep in the Ramapo zone, just missing on several chances. After a Stevens foul, Ramapo had possession and was looking to make move up the field when Zmijewski made a tackle, and lifted a gorgeous pass over the defense to a streaking Chavez who controlled and set up Borzillo in front for the clincher. It was Borzillo's second goal in as many games.
Stevens controlled the ball and field position for most of the first half, getting on the board in the 16th minute. After a penalty corner, the ball was tossed in front, a scrum ensued and sophomore Mallory Swanson was there to tap it home for her second goal of the season.
Ramapo came out strong in the second half, just missing a great opportunity less than 30 seconds in. The Roadrunners were able to tie the score at the 42:21 mark when junior Kimberly Raimondi (Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J.) put a shot on net. Stevens goalkeeper Ellyn Griggs made a nice save but freshman Victoria Alhers (Freehold, N.J.) was there for the rebound and score. It was the first goal of her career.
After the Ramapo goal, Stevens regained control of the contest but were not able to find the back of the net on several excellent opportunities in the final 10 minutes of regulation.
Griggs got her second win of the season in goal (2-0). She made four saves. Senior Megan Tierney (Wayne, N.J.) took the loss in net for Ramapo, making eight stops.
Stevens outshot the Roadrunners 18-8 on the day and took 13 penalty corners compared to just three for Ramapo.
The Ducks will return to action tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. when they take on King's. Ramapo will square off with Juniata at 2 p.m.
Juniata 3, King's 2 - OT
Junior forward Paula Price (Camp Hill, Pa.) warded off a defender for more than 20 yards on a breakaway and was able to slip it in for the game-winner as Juniata defeated King's in an overtime thriller in the second game of the Stevens Field Hockey Invitational.
