Field hockey wins in overtime

The Owls end four game skid with win against Kent State.

Smiles and cheers were seen from the Owls’ sideline as senior forward Bridget Settles scored the winning goal in overtime against Kent State last Sunday. The win would be the first after falling short in the last four games.

Nevertheless, the team went into the game against Kent State with a new perspective on its home field.

“The intensity of the game was so much better than what we’ve played in the past four games,” Settles said.

The score was 1-0 at halftime due to a Settles goal assisted by sophomore midfielder Mandi Shearer. The second half brought more action to the field.

Kent State senior forward Debbie Bell tied up the score at the beginning of the half. But the Owls pulled through when senior forward Caryn Lambright scored to give the Owls a 2-1 lead. But the Golden Eagles fired back, as Kent State’s sophomore forward Rebecca Lee scored to tie the game at 2-2.

A penalty stroke was given to Settles in the middle of the second half and she successfully put the ball in the net to make the score 3-2. But even Settles’ second hat trick of the season couldn’t keep the Golden Eagles from tying the score once again. The tie pushed the teams into an overtime.

The Owls were visibly determined to win in overtime. The Owls kept pushing on Kent State’s defense during the overtime period and the persistence paid off.

With help from Lambright and senior midfielder Kaylee Keener, Settles was able to score a goal in the last minute of overtime.

“If you go up a goal or down a goal, you can win no matter what,” coach Amanda Janney said. “In the past, we’ve had trouble regaining that momentum after giving up a goal. And for the team to have that fighting attitude the whole day is a huge step.”

“Bridget is such a talented athlete and a leader,” Janney added. “Everyone respects her so much that when she plays great, they are all following her.”

Janney explained how the team’s hard work hasn’t been showing on the scoreboards in the past four games. She believes this win will boost confidence levels for the team for the rest of the month’s games as well as the Atlantic Ten Conference tournament.

Before the game, a moment of silence was held for the 10th anniversary in remembrance of Sept. 11.

For the Owls’ next matchup, the team will travel to Delaware for a 7 p.m. start on Friday.

Rachel Kerr can be reached at rachel.kerr@temple.edu.