University of Delaware Athletics
University of Delaware Falls to No. 14 Boston University 4-3 in Overtime Thriller in Season Opener
8/24/2012 8:52:00 PM | Field Hockey
NEWARK, Del. -- The University of Delaware field hockey squad nearly pulled off the upset in its season opener Friday night at Rullo Stadium, but No. 14 ranked Boston University got two late goals from Jacinda McLeod, including the game-winner in overtime, to post a 4-3 non-league victory.
Delaware (0-1), playing its second season under head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof, had taken a 3-2 lead on a goal by Nikki Onorato with 19:07 left in the second half, but McLeod tied the game on a penalty stroke with 1:35 left in regulation and then won the game on a goal just 5:28 into the extra session.
Boston University, one of the favorites in the America East conference and the 2011 league runner-up, also got two goals form Tabi Hatch and improved to 1-0 on the season. The Hens and Terriers, former America East rivals, were meeting for the first time since the 2001 season.
Delaware will continue play Sunday against another nationally-ranked foe from the America East as the Hens host No. 19 Albany at 1 p.m. at Rullo Stadium.
Delaware got a big effort from freshman midfielder Michaela Patzner (at right), who scored two goals in her collegiate debut, including the first goal of the game just four minutes and 48 seconds into the contest. The Rosenheim, Germany product became the first Delaware player to score two goals in her collegiate debut since All-American Casey Howard tallied twice in her debut vs. Pacific in 2005.
After Patzner put the Hens up 1-0 early, Boston University came right back to take the lead as Hatch scored off an assist from Rachel Coll from five yards out just under four minutes later to tie the game and then scored again off a rebound just over four minutes later.
The Blue Hens tied the score at 2-2 when Patzner scored her second goal of the game off a rebound just eight minutes into the second half and then took the lead when Onorato deflected a shot by Popinko into the cage following a penalty corner with 19:07 left to play.
Delaware appeared to have the game wrapped up but the Hens were whistled for a stick obstruction near the cage with just 1:35 left in regulation. The Terriers took advantage as McLeod blasted the penalty shot past goalkeeper Sarah Scher (six saves) to the left side to knot the score at 3-3. The Terriers then earned the win as McLeod took a nifty crossing pass from Gunson and scored just 5:28 into the 15-minute sudden death period to end the game.
Boston University held a 16-10 lead in shots and an 8-4 advantage in penalty corners. Valentina posted four saves to earn the win for the Terriers.
AGATE:
Boston University........2.....1.....1.....4
Delaware.....................1.....2.....0.....3
Scoring Summary:
1st Half: D - Michaela Patzner (unassisted), 4:48 into game; BU - Tabi Hatch (Rachel Coll), 8:26; BU - Tobi Hatch (unassisted), 12:50; 2nd Half: D - Michaela Patzner (unassisted), 43:26; D - Nikki Onorato (Toni Popinko), 50:53; BU - Jacinda McLeod (penalty stroke), 68:25; Overtime: BU - Jacinda McLeod (Ella Gunson), 75:28.
Shots: BU - 16, D - 10; Penalty Corners: BU - 8, D - 4; Saves: BU - 4 (Cerda Valentina), D - 6 (Sarah Scher); Attendance: 255.
