Together we fly by Mercyhurst!

Mercyhurst College – a tough and very skilled team, ranked among the top 30 in the country: a difficult feat in itself… but AT Mercyhurst was even more of a feat. However, without our entire team effort we would not have been successful. Going into the game we were 5-8-0 but our girls spirits were high and we had finally begun to blend and BELIEVE entirely in each other – this made all the difference!

The first half started out with a BANG just 6 minutes into the game Lock Haven caused a bit of ciaos in front of the net forcing Mercyhurst to clear the ball to Alissa Gamelier’s feet who played the ball to the top of the box, the ball deflected off of Mercyhurst defender falling onto the foot of freshmen Carly D’Orsaneo. D’Orsaneo was able to take on the GK and bury the ball in the back of the net… GGGOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!

Haven buckled down and had a few MAJOR bounces go their way, 2 opportunities and some breaks in our defense gave Mercyhurst some great opportunities, both of which they put off the post and in front of our net… scary but no damage done.

Second half was another tight battle. Mercyhurst came out blazing putting immediate pressure on Lock Haven’s defensive third; which resulted in a corner that was served across the front of the net. Mercyhurst’s Sarah Powell volleyed the ball past Haven keeper Hayley Zinn’s outstretched hands…. With 30 min left the score was tied 1-1.

The final 30 minutes was back and forth, both teams leaving it all on the field, and in true Haven fashion we never backed down. At the end of regulation the game was tied 1-1, we were off to overtime (OT) – first team to score wins (golden goal).

Overtime was our time – with some luck, some heart, and a few chances we had multiple corners and two very important free kicks. The first corner was sent right into the mix, Kellie Wieger went up and challenged the keeper and flicked the ball into the middle of the goal – just as Alissa Gamelier went up to head the ball into the back of the net Haven was called for a foul. Later, Lindsey Blessing went up for a 50/50 ball in the air and was fouled from behind, setting up a free kick – although there was no scoring opportunity, instead another foul from behind on Mercyhurst just at the top of the 18. Courtney Johnson stepped up to the plate, and on a Game Winning attempt served the ball behind the Mercyhurst keeper’s hands (Rebecca Heintzman) to the crossbar, which (once again) bounced our way straight down behind the goal line! GOLDEN GOAL…. A 2-1 win for Lock Haven in overtime!!!

Some notable points: an amazing job of support from our bench who were on their feet the entire second half and overtime, Alissa Gamelier had a stellar performance, as well as, the entire back line! Hayley Zinn came off her goal line time and time again keeping LHU in the game with some spectacular decisions; Kellie Wieger added energy to the front line when we needed it most. Lastly, our two goal scorers Carly D’Orsaneo and Courtney Johnson who literally left it all on the field and were spent after the game.

SUCH a proud moment for both Coach Davis and myself, I am so impressed with out efforts today… now its back to the drawing board as we head to California University of Pennsylvania for a match on Sat at 3pm!