Box Score

DUDLEY, Mass.- Senior Cori Eggert (Denville, N.J.) scored the game-winning goal with 45 seconds remaining in the first overtime period, lifting Western New England College to a 3-2 victory over host Nichols in TCCC field hockey action on Saturday at Vendetti Field. Eggert tallied two goals and an assist in the come-from-behind victory for the Golden Bears, who improve to 7-11 overall and 5-2 in the conference. The Bison drop to 11-5 overall and 3-4 in TCCC play.

WNEC grabbed a 1-0 lead at the 14:10 mark when Eggert scored off a feed by senior Sarah McQuarrie (Windham, Maine). The Bison quickly responded with a goal of their own minutes later. Freshman Samantha Lacerra (Watertown, Mass.) chipped in freshman Eileen Clinton's (Londonderry, N.H.) pass from inside the circle.

Nichols then overtook the lead at the 22:18 mark when junior Lauren Pettoruto (Windham, N.H.) scored off a pass from freshman MaryKate Frodema (Springfield, Mass.). Overall, the Bison dominated play in the first half, out-shooting the Golden Bears 16-3.

The WNEC defense found its stride in the second half, limiting Nichols just five shots. Sophomore Justine McComb (Newington, Conn.) tied the game at 2-2 13 minutes into the half with Eggert picking up the assist. The two teams battled to score the game-winner before the end of regulation but both defenses held strong.

The overtime period proved to be a shoot-out for both teams as 13 shots were taken in the 14:15 that was played. Both teams had their opportunities but it was WNEC that finally made good on its ninth chance. Eggert knocked in the golden goal off a penalty corner that was slapped in by McQuarrie to give the Golden Bears the win.

In net, senior Emilie Donka (White River Junction, Vt.) posted 17 saves for WNEC, including nine in the first half. Sophomore MaryKate Bednarz (Springfield, Mass.) recorded eight saves for the Bison.

Nichols will play its final two games of the regular season on the road, beginning with non-conference foe Elms on Monday at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, the Bison will wrap things up with a critical conference match-up at Salve Regina beginning at 4 p.m.