University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
(7-9, 5-0 A-10)
Temple
(7-11, 4-1 A-10)
Field Hockey Alone In 1st After OT Win At Temple
October 23, 2011 | Field Hockey
Oct. 23, 2011
PHILADELPHIA - Nikki Panciocco scored 6:53 into overtime to give UMass field hockey (7-9, 5-0 A-10) a 2-1 comeback victory over Temple (7-11, 4-1 A-10) and move the Minutewomen alone into first place atop the Atlantic 10 standings on Sunday afternoon at Geasey Field. By winning the battle of undefeated A-10 teams, UMass claims at least a share of the conference regular season title. Molly MacDonnell scored the tying goal with 3:13 left in regulation to send the game to overtime.
The win is UMass' 15th in a row against A-10 regular season opponents. The Minutewomen (5-0) went 7-0 in conference in 2010 and won the final three A-10 games of 2009.
Panciocco knocked in the rebound of an Alexa Sikalis shot that was saved by Temple goalie Lizzy Millen to complete the overtime comeback win for the Minutewomen. It was the third goal of the season for the senior captain who has come on strong as of late, tallying six points in the last three games.
After trailing 1-0 for most of the day, MacDonnell took a pass from Sikalis out of a scramble in front of the Temple goal and beat Millen to tie the game and eventually force the extra period. It was MacDonnell's third goal of the season, setting a new career-high for the sophomore after posting two goals in 2010. Sikalis' assist was her fourth of the season.
Bridget Settles gave the home team the early lead 9:45 into the first half when scored her conference-leading 16th goal of the season.
Alesha Widdall made five saves in goal to earn the 47th win of the senior All-American's career.
As the game progressed, UMass took more control. After Temple held a 14-7 shot advantage in the first half, the Minutewomen held a 7-3 edge in the second half and dominated overtime, 6-0, giving them a 20-17 shot advantage for the game.
At 5-0 in A-10 play, UMass now sits one game ahead of the Owls (4-1) and a game and a half ahead of Richmond (4-1), who UMass will face in its conference finale on Oct. 28, Senior Day at Garber Field. The Spiders will take on La Salle two days later.
The Minutewomen host Richmond on Senior Day, Friday at 1 p.m. at Garber Field before closing the regular season on Sunday at Providence at 2 p.m.
Team Stats
SETTLES, Bridget (16)
GOAL by TU SETTLES, Bridget (FIRST GOAL), goal number 16 for season.
9:45
MACDONNELL, Molly
Assisted By: SIKALIS, Alexa
Scramble in front of the net, crossed in
66:47
PANCIOCCO, Nikki
Off a rebounded shot and save
76:53
