Vikings knock off Seahawks in overtime, 2-1

NEWPORT, R.I. - Sophomore Catherine Dowling (Somerville, Mass.) scored the game-winning goal 6:58 into the first overtime to lift Salem State College to a 2-1 win over Salve Regina University in non-conference field hockey action Tuesday afternoon at Gaudet Field.

Junior goalkeeper Jessica McKenna (Rowley, Mass.) made nine saves for the Vikings (1-0), who led for the first 59:01 of the contest before Seahawk freshman and reigning The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) Rookie of the Week Kelly Burke (Georgetown, Mass.) potted her fourth goal of the season to tie the game at one. The loss evens the Seahawks record at 2-2 on the season.

"We just didn't capitalize on our chances," said Salve Regina head coach Jen Eldridge. "We definitely played a quicker game than we're used to today on the turf, but overall we have to build on this. We were able to come back and tie the game, and we sustained the momentum we gained off that goal. We need to finish our scoring chances, though."

Junior April Rossetti (Saugus, Mass.) opened the scoring at 8:08 when she collected a pass from classmate Karen Atkinson (Reading, Mass.) and beat Salve Regina senior goalkeeper Devin Eppley (Darien, Conn.). The Seahawks closed the period outshooting the Vikings 6-5 and held a 4-2 edge in penalty corners.

The Seahawks controlled the majority of play in the second half but were denied several times by McKenna, who made six of her nine saves in the stanza. Burke finally broke through for the Seahawks as she rifled a shot from about 12 yards out that beat McKenna to her left. The Seahawks nearly took the lead with 2:43 remaining when junior Lindsey Burt (Hopedale, Mass.) took a shot that seemed destined for the back of the cage, but freshman Erin Wilson (Reading, Mass.) got her stick in the way and recorded a defensive save.

Eppley finished with two saves for the Seahawks, who finished the afternoon with an 18-10 edge in shots. They also held a 10-5 edge in penalty corners.

The Seahawks return to action on Saturday when they host Univ. of New England at 1 p.m. The game will be played at the Lawrence Avenue Field.