Liberty University
(4-6)
No. 20 American
(7-4)
Jones Scores Overtime Winner to Give Liberty 2-1 Win at No. 20 American
10/6/2016 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Freshman Kendra Jones' goal in overtime gave the Liberty field hockey team a 2-1 victory at No. 20 American on Thursday afternoon at Jacobs Field.
Jones scored 3:59 into the extra session, as the goal was set up by senior Serena Barr. Barr entered the circle, maneuvered her way around American defenders, and found Jones on the left post, who swept the ball into the goal cage for her fourth goal of 2016.
With the win, Liberty improves to 4-6, while American, who is at the top of the Patriot League standings, falls to 7-4. The victory was the Lady Flames' first of the season over a ranked opponent after four one-goal losses to ranked teams.
"I am very pleased with our performance today. We have been knocking on the door all season, and it was great to have one of these even matches fall our way today. The girls earned this victory today," said head coach Jodi Murphy. "I am incredibly proud of this team and the way they came out in the second half. Kendra Jones had a great game today, and I am thrilled she got the overtime goal. Cassidy Bremner, Serena Barr and Allison Schaefer anchored our defense by managing American's tough, gritty pressure."
The Eagles tallied the match's first goal in the 22nd minute. Kat Roncoroni scored her third goal of the year on a scramble in front of the net. Grace Parke sent a pass over to Roncoroni, who beat Liberty goalkeeper Allison Schaefer to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The Lady Flames tied the game just two minutes later at 23:25. Pippa Best entered the circle and ripped a backhanded shot that was saved by Eagles goalkeeper Maura Jacobs. On the ensuing rebound, Alynn Richardson put the ball into the goal to tie the game at 1-1 The goal was the junior's team-leading fifth of the season.
Early in the second half, Jones scored what appeared to be the go-ahead goal, but it was waived off by officials. On American's fifth penalty corner of the contest in the 49th minute, Haley Bowcutt appeared to put the Eagles on top with a goal, but the officiating crew disallowed it.
Liberty drew its first two penalty corners of the match in the 64th and 65th minutes, but shots from Abby Julius and Barr went wide.
In the overtime session, Julius and Barr both recorded shots in the 74th minute before Barr found Jones for the game-winner at 73:59.
Schaefer made six saves to earn her fourth victory of the year in goal, while Jacobs made four stops and was credited the loss.
The Lady Flames outshot the Eagles, 11-10, in the game, including a 3-0 edge in overtime. American held a 6-2 advantage in penalty corners.
Liberty plays its third home match of 2016 against BIG EAST foe Georgetown (4-8, 0-3 BIG EAST) on Saturday. Match time is set for noon at the Liberty Field Hockey Field.
Team Stats
Roncoroni, Kat (3)
Assisted By: Parke, Grace
GOAL by AMERICAN Roncoroni, Kat (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Parke, Grace, goal number 3 for season.
21:25
RICHARDSON, Alynn (5)
Converts rebound in front
23:25
JONES, Kendra (4)
Assisted By: BARR, Serena
Nice pass finds #7 open at left post, ni
73:59
