MADISON, N.J. (September 3, 2017) – Victoria Alvarez scored two goals, but the Stevens Institute of Technology field hockey team was edged 3-2 by Fairleigh Dickinson University in its season opener on Sunday. Freshman goaltender Nicole Mottole made 12 saves in her collegiate debut to keep Stevens in the game.

FDU got on the board 15 minutes into the match, when Marissa Kowalskie fired in a shot directly in front from Gabby Allen.

Five minutes later, Alvarez knotted the game with an unassisted goal for the Ducks' first marker of the season. The teams went into the break tied at one, though FDU enjoyed an 11-4 advantage in shots.
20 minutes after the start of the second half, Alvarez gave Stevens the lead by redirecting a ball in front originally shot by Victoria Zanlunghi to put the Ducks up 2-1. The lead was short-lived, however, as Marie Pietracatella popped one in at 57:00 to tie the game.

The teams were scoreless for the rest of regulation, and went to sudden-death overtime all-square at two, though FDU outshot Stevens 16-2 over the second period. Mottole made seven saves in the period where the Ducks were outshot 16-2.

Seven minutes into extra time Makayla Pak ended it by taking a rebound around to the right corner and stuffing the ball into the plywood to put an end to the proceedings.

"Even though today's outcome wasn't what we hoped for, I was really proud of the way our team played today," said Stevens head coach Meredith Spencer-Blaetz. "Our defense was relentless and we connected some really nice passes. We'll continue to focus on capitalizing on our opportunities and learn from today's contest. "
 
"Nicole Mottole played out of her mind in her first collegiate game. I have incredibly high hopes for her and her future as a Duck. Victoria Alvarez continued to be a bright light for us and her two goals were a catalyst for our offense"
 
The Ducks will return home on Thursday to tangle with No. 6 The College of New Jersey in Stevens' 2017 home opener at 7 p.m.