BROCKPORT, N.Y.-- The Houghton Field Hockey team fought a hard battle, coming out on top to beat the Golden Eagles of SUNY Brockport 2-1 in overtime. 

In the first half of the first period, there was a lot of action on the Highlanders offensive end; 5 shots and 3 penalty corners in 3 minutes. While there were numerous opportunities for Houghton to score, the Brockport goalie did not let her guard down. 

Nearly 21 minutes into the first period, the Golden Eagles broke the silence by scoring on a massive scramble in front of the net. Highlander goalie Elizabeth Piszker (Glens Mills, PA, Cardinal O'Hara) was credited with 11 saves in the first period.

Houghton went into the second period trailing 1-0 to SUNY Brockport. Neither team took the offensive initiative during the beginning of the second period. It was exactly 22 minutes into the second period when the Highlander offense starting coming alive. For the next 6 minutes 42 seconds leading up to a Houghton goal, the Highlanders maintained possession a majority of the time. With the end of the period coming near, Kelsie Ashley (Landisville, PA, Hempfield HS) was able to put one in the net off of a penalty corner by Colleen Sullivan (Salem, CT, East Lyme HS); Sullivan was credited with the assist. 

"This was a very hard fought game tonight for our girls," commented head coach Rachel Snelgrove. "They left it all on the field and played with so much heart--I was very proud of their efforts across the board from everyone," Snelgrove continued as a reflection of her team going into overtime.

After a 14 minute battle in overtime, with a shot 15 feet out from the goal line, Houghton was able to confirm the win with another goal by Ashley. Tyler Reese (Kennett Square, PA, Unionville) was credited with the assist on the Highlander goal. With the execution of this goal, Houghton was able to claim the 2-1 overtime victory!

Piszker recorded 18 saves on the night. The Highlanders outnumbered the Golden Eagles in shots (27-20) and penalty corners (18-3).

Coach Snelgrove showed how proud she was of her team: "Tonight's game showed our team's improvements in the little things; the pieces of the game we have been working on all season. To me that is the greatest success of all."

The Highlanders are scheduled to play their last home game against Washington and Jefferson at noon on Saturday, November 1st.