Sunday, September 14
Ulrich Sports Complex
12:00 pm
Lehigh University
(1-5)
2
vs
1
Towson
(1-4)
1
2
OT 2
F
Towson
1
0
0
1
Lehigh
1
0
1
2
Tofig’s second goal gives Lehigh thrilling 2-1 OT win over Towson
9/14/2014 2:49:00 PM | Field Hockey
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Led by a career-high two goals from sophomore Gabby Tofig along with 11 saves from classmate Julia Ward, the Lehigh field hockey team picked up its first win of the season in thrilling fashion, defeating Towson 2-1 in overtime on Sunday afternoon. Both sophomores came up big in the extra session as Ward saved a Towson penalty stroke and Tofig made it count on the ensuing rush up-field, scoring the game-winning goal just 18 seconds later.
"The girls all worked super hard for this," said Tofig. "We've been practicing hard day in and day out, and we're so in shape and working so well as a team that it was bound to happen. I'm really excited that we got our first win today. We should keep building momentum from here."
Heading to overtime tied at one, the Tigers fired off the first shot, which Ward stopped. Less than three minutes later, a penalty stroke was called, setting up Kelly Mattingly for a chance to send Towson home winners. Ward came up with a big save, diving to her right to deny the opportunity. That set up a rush the other way as junior Lindsey Schott fired a hard pass towards the left post. Tofig made a b-line towards the cage and made the deflection past Towson goalie Megan Boyle to give Lehigh the 2-1 victory. It marked the Mountain Hawks' first overtime win since September 11, 2011, a 4-3 final over La Salle which also marked Stacey Eversley's first victory as Lehigh head coach.
"Julia was amazing and that save was key for us to win the game," said Eversley. "That was great. Offensively, it was one of our goals to just keep shooting and shooting and shooting, and I think we did that today. We need to finish and the girls definitely did it together."
Lehigh finished the game with a 26-17 shot advantage, but it was the Mountain Hawks' lone shot in overtime which sent them home winners.
The Mountain Hawks began the first half on fire, taking a 1-0 lead just two minutes into the game. Tofig, who finished with a career-high 12 shots and nine shots on goal, unleashed a shot that was saved, but she converted the rebound to give Lehigh the lead.
"Individually, I was thinking to myself just finish and be fast to the ball," said Tofig. "Things that my coach has been talking to me, along with good defense."
Lehigh continued to control play, finishing the first half with a 16-9 edge in shots. Towson began to generate opportunities, though, and capitalized at 30:10 on a flurry off a penalty corner to make it 1-1.
The second half saw opportunities on both sides as Ward and Boyle combined to stop all 11 shots sent their way. Lehigh was awarded a penalty stroke in the 50th minute, but Tofig's chance went just wide. The teams combined for 14 second-half shots, 11 on goal, but neither could score the game-winner as the sides went to overtime where Ward and Tofig stood tall.
"I think we accomplished a lot today," said Eversley. "As a whole unit, we're really proud that we stuck together. There were some chaotic moments, but we were able to work it out. It was a great game."
Towson held a 5-4 edge in penalty corners while Ward's 11 saves came across Boyle who made 12.
Lehigh now looks ahead to Patriot League play as the Mountain Hawks travel to American to face the Eagles on Saturday before staying in Washington, D.C. to face Georgetown on Sunday. Both games are set for 12 p.m.
Like Lehigh field hockey on Facebook and follow on Twitter for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
Team Stats
TOWSON
LEHIGH
Goals
1
2
Shots
17
26
Shots on Goal
12
14
Saves
12
11
Corners
5
4
Offsides
0
0
Fouls
0
0
Scoring Plays
Tofig, Gabby (2)
Original shot from right side was saved,
2:00
Stuart, Meg (1)
Assisted By: Mattingly, Kelly
GOAL by TOWSON Stuart, Meg, Assist by Mattingly, Kelly, goal number 1 for season.
30:10
Tofig, Gabby (3)
Assisted By: Schott, Lindsey
Tipped in a hard pass/shot from #11.
74:49
Game Leaders
Players
Shots
12
SOG
9
Goals
2
Assists
0
Shots
6
SOG
2
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
2
SOG
2
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
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