LOUISVILLE, KY- The Wolves continued their success in Kentucky against former conference opponent Bellarmine University. In an impressive display of all-around skill, the Newberry Wolves (9-3) earned a hard-fought overtime 2-1 victory over the Bellarmine Knights (8-4).
Both teams went into the contest with an 8-3 record but the Wolves had their eyes set on victory. The overtime thriller gives Newberry its ninth win of the season, the highest win total in the program's history. The Wolves were able to make adjustments during the game to weather the storm, and sealed the second win of their Kentucky road trip.
After carrying the 1-0 lead into the halftime break, the Wolves began to ramp up their offensive play. The Wolves peppered the keeper in the third quarter taking three shots in less than two minutes but failing to get past the keeper. Newberry would hold possession for the majority of the third quarter until the Knights felt the urgency to pressure the backline. Bellarmine began to apply pressure in the 45th minute, leading to a penalty stroke. Merrit Harris was able to score her 11th goal of the season as she executed the penalty stroke that would take the two teams into a sudden-death overtime period. Newberry was able to hold their composure as Bellarmine gained momentum after scoring the equalizing goal.
Coach Hannah Dave's team is no stranger to extra time periods as her team defeated Limestone in an overtime thriller, winning 2-1 in the 64th minute. Newberry fought through adversity in overtime as they were down a player due to a card right before the commencement of sudden death. The Wolves overcame the adversity as the offensive unit came out strong in the first minutes of overtime by taking two quick shots, demonstrating the team's eagerness to find the back of the cage regardless of the situation. The Wolves only needed two minutes, when Keeler dribbled the ball down the right side and into the circle before laying a ball into space for Senior Haley Smith who was able to make a move on the keeper and take a reverse flick shot to end the game.
The first half was a defensive battle on both ends of the field, with the Wolves leading the shot count 4-1. Senior superstar Brady Keeler would put the Wolves up 1-0 in the 30th minute. The forward received a pass from Kristyna Oyola from a penalty corner settling the ball, taking a touch inside the circle and sending a rocket past Heather Gregory. Keeler and Oyola have both won the Astroturf Conference offensive player of the week honors in the past weeks as they have led their team in goals and assists.
Senior Chantel Gauthier gave a tremendous effort during today's contest, fighting for every 50-50 opportunity. The midfielder displayed versatility as she tracked back defensively but also pushed forward to string passes in the final third. The Wolves finished the contest with a 17-9 edge on shots taken, as well as winning 12 penalty corners to Bellarmine's nine.
The seven-year old program has five games remaining in the regular season, currently sitting at second place in the conference (6-2).
The Newberry Field Hockey Team returns to Setzler Field on Wednesday, Oct. 23 as they take on conference opponent Limestone College. The match will commence at 6 p.m as the Wolves look to extend their four-game winning streak.
