Montclair State University Athletics

Montclair, NJ – Montclair State University field hockey (3-4) sophomore MELISSA BICKFORD came up big in a huge moment, netting an overtime winner for the Red Hawks to lift them past Saint Francis (1-5), 1-0 on Wednesday night.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Montclair came out pushing the pace, getting things going with an early penalty corner from COLLEEN MCGAVIN and getting some pressure in the zone. AVERY DIPIETRO put a good shot on cage at 13:39, but the Red Wolves goalie stopped it. Down at the other end, SYDNEY WHITE and the backline held their ground, turning away a late Saint Francis corner to keep it scoreless after the first.
• The Red Hawks kept firing away in the second, putting heavy pressure on Saint Francis' defense. DiPietro and McGavin both tested the goalie with back-to-back shots on goal, and another look from DiPietro just missed wide. White came up big with a crucial save off a late corner to send us into halftime tied at 0-0.
• It was a total defensive battle in the third. AVA SCURRY managed to break through and fire off a shot inside the circle before it got blocked. White locked down the cage, coming up with huge saves and holding the defense together through a heavy storm of Saint Francis corners to keep the shutout alive.
• Montclair tried to find that breakthrough in regulation, opening the fourth with a corner from KASEY WATSON that set up a sharp shot on goal by EMMA BIANCO. Both sides traded defensive stops and corners down the stretch, but neither could crack the scoreboard, sending a scoreless battle into overtime.
• The Red Hawks finally broke through and sealed it in extra time when DiPietro slotted a ball right into the circle, and MELISSA BICKFORD slapped it home at 69:16 for the game-winning goal.

INSIDE THE RESULTS 

• White was stellar for the Red Hawks, earning her first shutout win since October 28, 2025 (3-0 vs. SUNY New Paltz). She tallied 11 saves, which was her first double-digit save total of the season.
• Bickford fired in her first goal of the season and her second career game-winning goal.
• The Red Hawks continue to come through in big moments this season. All three wins have come after regulation.

FROM THE FIELD 

• "Tonight was a test of resilience, and we are so proud of MELISSA BICKFORD's effort and execution in overtime. We also saw excellent plays from Syd White, Bre Fabi and EMMA BIANCO. This group provided lockdown defense and composure throughout regulation and overtime." Head Coach Eileen O'Reilly

 
UP NEXT 

• Montclair heads on the road to Widner for an early afternoon game at 1:00 pm.