Field Hockey upsets No. 4 Syracuse in OT

Sept. 20, 2014

Syracuse, N.Y. - No. 11 Boston College field hockey (6-1) defeated No. 4 Syracuse Saturday, Sep. 20 in the Eagles' second win against a top-10 opponent this season. The Eagles handed Syracuse its second ACC loss of the season.

"This was a fantastic team win. The defense played very well and held a elite caliber team that was averaging four goals a game to two goals," said head coach Ainslee Lamb.

The Orange attack struck first, with Emma Russell netting a goal three minutes into the game, but the Eagles were quick to answer. On a corner inserted by senior midfielder Emma Plasteras, sophomore midfielder Emily McCoy tied it up on her third goal of the season after senior midfielder Katlyn Soucy set up the shot off a stick stop. Syracuse lead the shot count through the first 35, 8-6. The teams entered the half tied at one.

Emma Plasteras, scoring her first goal of the season, notched the go-ahead goal for Boston College eight minutes into the second off a cross in front of the net by junior midfielder Romée Stiekema. Syracuse's Annalena Ulbrich answered to tie the game at two with less than 12 minutes left in regulation.

The teams remained tied, 2-2, as regulation came to an end. For the third game in a row, the Eagles headed into overtime.

"Getting the team to the OT situation was one that we were obviously familiar with, but the approach today was the best that I have seen. The team remained composed and possessed the ball until they chose to go on the attack," said Lamb.

Romée Stiekema scored the game-winner off a corner in overtime for her first career goal. Katlyn Soucy recorded her second assist of the day on a pass across the circle to Stiekema.

The attack penalty corner in overtime was read very well by [Katlyn] Soucy and Romée [Stiekema] finished the play with convention. There was no hesitation with her decision to shoot and she knew right away it was a winning shot. Romée [Stiekema] played a stellar game in the midfield both defensively and distributing the ball on attack," said Lamb.

The Eagles' overtime victory against Syracuse marks their third overtime win in as many games.

"I was very pleased with the team approach to the game today. They consistently compete and display a fantastic work rate on the field. They step on the field with the excitement to compete and the will to win the opportunities presented to them.

"Today will require a quick recovery to prepare the team for our next game against Colgate tomorrow. The Colgate team is certain to present another challenge and exciting opportunity for this BC team," Lamb said.

BC field hockey continues the action tomorrow at Colgate at 12 p.m.

To keep up with BC field hockey news and receive in-game updates, follow @BCFieldHockey on Twitter.

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Team Stats

Emma Plasteras

Romée Stiekema

Emily McCoy

Katlyn Soucy