Sept. 4, 2005
FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- For the second straight day, the Fairfield University field hockey fought back from a second-half deficit only to come up short in overtime. St. Joseph's University saw a 3-0 second-half lead disappear, but came back to win in the first overtime by a 4-3 count. Katelyn O'Brien scored the game-winning goal on a penalty stroke with three minutes remaining in the extra period.
The Hawks took control of the game with a pair of first-half goals which were scored just three minutes apart. Maureen Casserly put the visitors in front with a goal at 16:28, converting a pass from Nicole Antonini. Lauren Luft pushed the advantage to two goals with an unassisted goal at 12:59, stick-handling past a Fairfield defender to set up an point-blank shot at the goal.
St. Joseph's seemed to put the game out of reach with a goal at 28:48 as Luft sent a pass to Antonini. Antonini released a shot from a few yards away, beating Stag goaltender Lauren Callahan for a 3-0 lead.
The Stags started its impressive comeback with 21 minutes remaining in regulation as Briana Keene tipped in Rebecca Odenwaelder's free hit from the top of the circle. The game became even more interesting after Emily Janis scored her first collegiate goal off a pass from Caitlin Quinn with 14 minutes left on the clock.
Kelly Rath tied the game with seven minutes remaining with an unassisted goal, pushing in a loose ball from a few feet away to make the score 3-3. In overtime, the two teams battled back and forth for the first 12 minutes, with each team having chances to end the game. However, it wasn't until O'Brien was awarded a penalty stroke with three minutes remaining that the deciding tally was recorded.
Callahan made eight saves in the Fairfield goal, while Rebecca Cunfer registered 11 saves for the Hawks.
