MURFREESBORO, N.C. – Thanks to the late-game heroics of sophomore midfielder Sophie Moore, the Newberry Wolves (3-13) were able to snap their losing streak, defeating the Chowan University Hawks (1-12) in sudden victory overtime by a score of 17-16.
 
The Wolves got off to a good start in this one, starting the game on a 3-1 run through the opening four minutes thanks to a pair of goals from Moore and a goal from Rachel Dillon.
 
Newberry's offense continued to show its strength in the first half, but the Hawks were able to ride a stellar performance from Tashana Barnett to remain in striking distance throughout the opening half.
 
The terrific trio of Moore, Dillon and Wood, who've spearheaded Newberry's offense all season long, combined to score 10 of the Wolves' 11 first half goals, giving them a three-goal advantage as they entered the halftime break ahead of Chowan 11-8.
 
All momentum seemed to be in Newberry's favor after scoring two of the last three goals of the half, but the Hawks refused to lie down, instead electing to take flight to open the second half to the tune of four consecutive goals and a 12-11 lead.
 
Newberry's offense slowed out of the halftime break, as it took the Wolves nearly 10 minutes to get back on the scoreboard. It was Dillon who finally broke the slump for the Wolves, scoring an unassisted goal to tie the game at 12-12.
 
After another goal from Chowan's Barnett to give the Hawks a one-goal lead, Wood managed back-to-back goals with Dillon tacking on another, giving Newberry a 15-13 lead with just over 10 minutes to play in regulation.
 
Unfortunately for Newberry, the Wolves offense went stagnant once again as the Hawks were able to score three consecutive goals of their own, culminating with one final goal from Barnett, her 10th of the game, to give Chowan the 16-15 lead with just 2:19 left.
 
With just over two minutes left for Newberry to make its move, things were beginning to look grim for the Wolves. They hadn't scored a goal in nearly 10 minutes, and needed to make something happen quickly.
 
Thankfully, Moore was there to answer the call. The sophomore was able to get in close off of a pass from Dillon and slotted her fifth goal of the game, tying things up at 16-16 with just 40 seconds remaining. Freshman goalkeeper Casey McCabe was then able to stop a last-second shot attempt by the Hawks, securing a trip to sudden victory overtime.
 
In the overtime period, the Hawks were never able to get the chance to end it was Wood was able to win the draw control and drive the ball downfield. Just over a minute later, Dillon was able to connect with Moore once again for the game-winning goal, ending Newberry's 11-game losing streak with the sudden victory in overtime.
 
The three-headed monster of Moore, Wood and Dillon combined to score 16 of the Wolves' 17 goals. Moore, who scored the game-winner as well as the tying goal in regulation, led the way with six goals, while Wood and Dillon scored five each. Sydney Britton scored for the Wolves as well, helping to give the Wolves the win.
 
Dillon was exceptional as a facilitator on the offensive end as well, dishing out five assists for a total of 10 points on the night to lead the Wolves.
 
Chowan outshot the Wolves by a margin of 42-29 on the day, but after making 15 saves in goal compared to Chowan's 10, Newberry was able to take home the narrow victory.
 
The win is Newberry's third of the year, and they will wrap up the 2019 season with a trip to Mars Hill for a South Atlantic Conference matchup with the Lions. The game will begin at 3:00 pm on Saturday, April 20.