Syracuse University
University of Connecticut
Loncarica Provides More Overtime Heroics to Secure SU's Third Consecutive BIG EAST Championship
10/23/2010 3:46:36 PM | Field Hockey
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SYRACUSE - All-American Martina Loncarica blasted a pass from freshman midfielder Leonie Geyer into the cage in the second overtime to lift the eighth-ranked Syracuse University field hockey team to a 1-0 victory versus No.4 Connecticut this afternoon at J.S. Coyne Stadium. The win clinches the Orange's third consecutive BIG EAST Conference regular season championship.
The Orange gave a strong defensive effort led by sophomore goalkeeper Leann Stiver. Stiver recorded 11 saves to help the Orange overcome two five-minute periods where it played shorthanded including the last five minutes of the first overtime where it played six on seven.
Stiver's performance was highlighted by her save with 2:17 left in the first overtime when she slid right to block Connecticut forward Anne Jeuste's break away shot. She also stopped three Connecticut scoring chances by making a series of diving saves over the course of three minutes in the second half.
Syracuse, which was outshot by Connecticut 15-11 and only put four of its shots on goal compared to Connecticut's 11, had few scoring opportunities throughout the game. The Orange looked poised to put Connecticut away with 7:20 left in the first overtime when two-time All-American Lindsey Conrad weaved through the defense, but her shot clanked off the left post. Conrad broke away from the defense again about a minute later, but this time missed hitting the left corner of the net by inches. Still, Syracuse would not be denied.
Loncarica's score puts her into the conference lead with five game winning goals. Geyer's assist adds to her team-high of 12 on the season.
Syracuse faces No. 13 Boston College tomorrow at 1 p.m. at J.S. Coyne Stadium in Syracuse.
