The 18th ranked University of Mary Washington field hockey team survived a scare from Shenandoah University on Sunday afternoon, winning 3-2 in penalty strokes to improve to 5-1 on the season. Junior Kathleen Namey scored the game winner on the final stroke of the first round best of five.
The Eagles held control throughout regulation, outshooting the Hornets, 25-4, through 70 minutes, but could not shake the visitors. UMW scored with 10:59 left in the first half, as senior Christine Downie scored unassisted off a loose ball off the keeper's pads, and the Eagles led, 1-0, at halftime.
Shenandoah answered 10 minutes into the second half, as Morgan Lingo scored off a deflected ball through traffic to knot the score at 1-1. With 14:57 left to go in regulation, sophomore Katlyn Taliaferro scored on an Ashlin Jones pass on a breakaway to put the Eagles back in front, 2-1.
But again, Shenandoah answered, as Ashley Cross scored on a Lauren Kesler assist with 2:08 left in regulation. The teams played scoreless through the two 15-minute overtimes, setting up a penalty stroke shootout to determine the winner.
Shenandoah shot first, and Presha Merritt was successful. After a UMW miss, Shenandoah took a 2-0 lead as Kelani Bailey scored. UMW freshman Erin Kaila then scored to cut the deficit to 2-1, and UMW goalie Megan McLaughlin stopped the final three shots, as senior Christine Downie scored to knot the tiebreaker at 2-2. Namey, the final shooter, was successful, giving the Eagles the 3-2 decision.
For the game, UMW led in shots, 37-11, and in penalty corners, 35-5. McLaughlin made seven saves and Katie Kolobielski had one for UMW, while junior Carlee Budd had a defensive save. Shenandoah was led by its keeper, as Jenna Rampale made 25 saves on the day in an outstanding effort. Alana Meadows also made three crucial defensive saves for the Hornets.
The Eagles will be back in action on Wednesday when they face 16th ranked Catholic University at 5:00 p.m.