PLYMOUTH, N.H. — Senior Faith Tillotson scored twice, including the game-winning goal in overtime, as the Husson University field hockey team rallied for a 3-2 victory over Plymouth State University on Saturday afternoon at Panther Field, as head coach Shaunessy Saucier earned her first win as head coach of the Eagles.
The Eagles (1-5) overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit, scoring three times after the break to earn their first victory of the season. Husson finished the afternoon with a 26-13 advantage in shots, including a 14-9 edge in shots on goal.
Plymouth State (0-7) opened the scoring just over five minutes into the contest when Ellie Monahan found the back of the cage to give the Panthers a 1-0 advantage. The score remained unchanged through halftime despite Husson generating 13 shots over the opening 30 minutes.
Husson finally broke through in the third quarter. Following a penalty corner, junior Mary Hamblin scored her first goal of the season at the 36:02 mark off an assist from Tillotson, pulling the Eagles even at 1-1.
The Eagles carried that momentum into the fourth quarter and grabbed their first lead of the afternoon at 50:26. Tillotson scored her third goal of the season off an assist from freshman Morgan Hersey, giving Husson a 2-1 advantage.
Plymouth State responded late in regulation, as Elliana Wing scored off an assist from Abigale Bsullak at 58:09 to tie the game at 2-2 and force overtime.
Husson controlled the extra period, recording all five shots in overtime. Tillotson had a pair of attempts turned aside before the Eagles earned a penalty corner with 3:22 gone in the extra session.
Husson capitalized moments later. After senior Tessa Capozzoli had an initial attempt saved, Tillotson finished the ensuing opportunity at 63:33 off an assist from sophomore Maddie Morin, giving the Eagles the 3-2 overtime victory. The goal was Tillotson's fourth of the season and completed her first multi-goal performance of the year.
Tillotson finished with two goals and an assist on five shots, putting four attempts on goal. Hamblin added a goal on four shots, while Morin and Hersey each recorded an assist. Capozzoli led Husson with six total shots, while Morin and Hersey added three apiece.
Sophomore goalkeeper Ella Duchette earned the victory in goal for the Eagles, making seven saves over 63:33. Plymouth State goalkeeper Hannah Bub stopped nine shots in the loss.
Husson is back in action on Saturday at home against Vermont State University Castleton at 4 p.m.
