MONTCLAIR, N.J. (September 28, 2022)  – Sophomore Sarah Korczukowski scored for the second time in her collegiate career, but the Stevens Institute of Technology field hockey team fell to Montclair State University 2-1 in overtime Wednesday night in a non-conference tilt at Sprague Field.

Fifth-year Emily Franco made eight saves for the second straight game for the Ducks, who dropped their second straight in falling to 5-5 on the year. 

Carlie Van Tassel scored on a penalty stroke in the 67th minute for Montclair State, who won for the fifth straight game to improve to 5-4. Each of the last three meetings between the teams has been decided by a single goal and the last two meetings at Sprague Field required extra time.

In the first overtime period, a lead pass appeared to spring Van Tassel free into the scoring area. Franco came off her line to challenge the high-scoring forward and appeared to successfully break the play up. However, the players came together on the play and it was Franco that was whistled for a dangerous play, leading to a penalty stroke for Van Tassel and the eventual game-winner.

In a tight contest, Korczukowski's second-quarter goal appeared to be the difference in the game. The second-year midfielder was the recipient of a beautiful crossing pass from first-year Elizabeth Sullivan. Korczukowski redirected the ball into the back of the goal to put Stevens in front. Sullivan's assist was the first of her career.

Franco made the Ducks' one-goal lead hold. After Korczukowski's tally, the West Chester, Pennsylvania native made five saves to keep the Ducks in front before Montclair State broke through in the fourth quarter.

The Red Hawks evened the game in the 67th minute. Franco stuffed Van Tassel, who had broken free down the left side. Tori Sutera corralled the rebound and fed Linsey Champa, who pushed the ball into the center of the cage to even the contest.

The Ducks were able to force overtime with a strong defensive effort down the stretch. In the game's final 10 minutes, the Ducks blocked four Red Hawk shots - all of which came off penalty corners - to keep the teams tied.

Lauren Pickul made four saves in the cage to earn the victory for Montclair State.

Unsung Hero

• Franco's eight saves are the most by any Montclair State opponent this season. 

Inside the Numbers

• Franco has made at least six saves in six of her nine contests this season. 
• Montclair State held a 6-3 edge in penalty corners. For the season, the Ducks are outearning their opponents in penalty corners by 18.
• Montclair State finished with a 21-9 edge in shots, although it was only 11-8 through the first three quarters. 
• The Ducks are now 1-2 in one-goal games.

From the Sidelines - Head Coach Meredith Spencer-Blaetz

• "Incredibly hard-fought game tonight. It's frustrating when uncontrollable moments affect the outcome, but I am proud of the way that we played and the way that we connected. Each day is a learning opportunity and we are ready to step back into conference play this weekend even better than before."

Up Next

• Field Hockey returns to conference play on Oct. 1, when the Ducks head to Dallas, Pennsylvania to take on Misericordia.
• The Ducks are 2-1 all-time against the Cougars, but Saturday's matchup will be the first to take place in the Keystone State.
• Links for live stats and video are available on StevensDucks.com.

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