Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State field hockey team (8-3, 2-0 NJAC) went into halftime down on the scoreboard, but a third period surge helped push them past Stockton (7-6, 0-1 NJAC), 2-1 on Saturday afternoon
HOW IT HAPPENED
- It was sudden impact for the Ospreys right off the first whistle when they took advantage of a fast break opportunity 35 seconds and generated two shots, one that was saved by goalkeeper SYDNEY WHITE and then a collected ball off that shot was put into the back of cage for a 1-0 Stockton advantage. Despite six shot attempts, four of which were on goal, the Ospreys did not give ground and the Ospreys took a 1-0 lead into the second quarter.
- The Red Hawks defense was stalwart in the second quarter, allowing zero shots in the period. The offense did put together some offensive opportunities in the period with five shot attempts, but none of them fell. The best opportunities came in the 24th minute when both EMMA BIANCO and SAMI BLOOM had opportunities right in front of the cage, but were denied by Stockton's Erika Roura. Bianco also had another shot attempt a minute later that had a chance, but a great defensive save from Kiera Lyons kept the lead for the Ospreys and it eventually went into halftime still with a 1-0 lead for Stockton.
- The halftime adjustments were made for Montclair and they came out exactly how they wanted to with a big third period performance. Just 54 seconds into the second half, a foul gave SADIE EICHLIN an opportunity some space to work herself into the scoring circle, where she proceeded to sky a ball over everyone, including the goalkeeper for the equalizer and nodded the contest up 1-1. At the 35:16 timestamp was where the Red Hawks took the advantage. Much like the Stockton goal in the first period, Eichlin worked her way up to the Rourka and fired a shot that was saved, but TORI SUTERA collected the rebound and chopped a shot past Rourka for the go-ahead goal and the eventual game-winner. Defensively, the Red Hawks were once again a brick wall that did not allow Stockton to generate a shot and took a 2-1 lead into the final period of play.
- Stockton finally got some offensive opportunities in the fourth after not seeing any the previous two periods. Those shots came in the first portion of the period however and in the 49th minute, they had generated some good looks, but White made two incredible saves to keep the Ospreys from getting that tying goal. White then let the Red Hawk defense do their thing and they held the Ospreys to 0 shots the rest of the way to take the 2-1 victory at home.
INSIDE THE RESULTS
- Montclair snapped Stockton's six-game win streak that started on September 21.
- The Red Hawks held the Ospreys to zero penalty corners in the contest while tallying 15 of their own.
- Sprague continues to be "Home Sweet Home" for Montclair as they improved to 7-0 on Sprague this season. They have not lost a home contest since September 30, 2023.
- Sutera collected her fourth goal the season and her second game winner. The senior now has 14 goals and five game-winning goals in her career.
- Eichlin notched her second goal of the season and her fourth assist. She has now compiled four goals and eight assists for 16 points in her career.
- White finished the day with three saves in the win.
FROM THE FIELD
"Critical NJAC win for us today. Despite early adversity we did a great job refocusing and dominating the majority of the game. Our defensive composure and discipline today was outstanding. Holding Stockton to zero APCs is a testament to our focus and preparation for this game. Next week brings two additional important NJAC challenges. We're focused on the next opportunity at Ramapo and we are right back to work on Monday." - Head Coach Eileen O'Reilly
UP NEXT
Montclair State heads back on the road when they travel to take on Ramapo on Wednesday, October 16 for a 4:00pm road showdown.
