Charney's Heroics Lead #7 UMW Field Hockey to Dramatic 3-2 Win at #1 Salisbury

Charney's Heroics Lead #7 UMW Field Hockey to Dramatic 3-2 Win at #1 Salisbury

Senior midfielder Lisa Charney scored twice in the final 14 minutes as the seventh-ranked University of Mary Washington field hockey team overcame a 2-0 deficit in the final 14 minutes to defeat previously undefeated #1 Salisbury University, 3-2, at Salisbury's homecoming on Saturday evening. The Eagles improve to 14-1 on the season, and defeat the Sea Gulls for the first time since 2001.

Mary Washington's offense fell silent for much of the night, as the Eagles didn't register a shot in the first half, with Salisbury taking just four shots in the opening frame. The Sea Gulls opened the scoring with 25 minutes remaining, and added a penalty stroke goal with 15 minutes left to take a 2-0 lead.

But the Eagles responded, as Charney scored on a Caitlin Baker assist just one minute after the stroke to cut the deficit to 2-1. Then, just 1:16 later, freshman Jenna Steele scored on another Baker feed to tie the score.

Then, with just under two minutes remaining, Charney drove upfield and into the circle and blasted a high shot past the Salisbury keeper and into the cage, giving UMW its first lead at 3-2. The Eagles held on for their first victory over a number-one ranked opponent since they defeated Salisbury in 2001, when the Gulls were 11-0 and ranked first in the nation.

"The girls came out ready to play", said UMW head coach and former Salisbury All-American Lindsey Elliott. "In the second half, we we did a better job of going to goal. The girls did a great job of fighting back and finishing the game. It's a great feeling to be beat a top-ranked team."

Salisbury led in shots, 17-9. Senior goalkeeper Claire Gianelle had six saves in goal for Mary Washington, while Rachel Clewer didnt register a save for Salisbury.

"Today was an amazing win and a complete team effort", said Charney afterward. "We worked together and came back to defeat the number one team in the nation! I have never been so proud to be a part of a team so special that plays together and plays for each other. It's an absolute euphoric feeling that we will never forget."

The Eagles will return to action on Wednesday when they host St. Mary's College at 4:00 p.m. in another Capital Athletic Conference matchup.