The effort for both teams was indicative of conference play," said Bobcat head coach Becca Kohli. "Both teams really wanted the game."
“Alicia just willed her way into the circle,” said Hussong. “She was out there and exhausted but she just never, ever quits. Her teammates feed off that type of effort. And Virginia made a great move to set up the goal.”
“It was a great team effort,” Govannicci said. “Virginia gave me a great pass and I just put it in. It feels great. My teammates were supportive the whole game and we worked really hard for the win.”
Egusquiza made a spin move at the top of the circle and setup Govannicci for the game-winner. Egusquiza now leads the team with 27 points and also leads the Broncs with 13 assists.
Egusquiza has 35 career assists, three short of the Rider record of 38 set by Kellie Fisher (1989-92).
Rider has a goal by Egusquiza disallowed 13 minutes into the first overtime on an illegal shot. The Bobcats had a goal waived 13 minutes into the game when the shot hit an attacker in the foot, causing the score to be disallowed.
“After the goal was disallowed, we just had to keep working,” Hussong added. “It was just a matter of time before we were able to get another opportunity.”
Rider (9-3, 2-0 NEC) out-shot Quinnipiac (5-7, 1-1 NEC) 15-5, including 3-0 in overtime.
The Broncs held a 7-4 penalty corner advantage.
Junior goalie Rebecca Lotito (Oceanport/Shore Regional) won her sixth of the season, third via shutout, making one save.
“Our defense was tremendous,” said Hussong. “Especially the play of senior Kristy Kelly (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom), the unit really stopped Quinnipiac from fast breaking down the field.”
“It was a tough game,” Kelly said. “Quinnipiac is a good team but we also played very well together. Our energy level was good the entire day and we were pumped up the entire time. We communicated well, both on the defense end and offensively as well.”
After losing three straight one-goals games in mid-September, Rider has reeled off six wins in a row, outscoring the opposition 22-2.
“Our defensive line is all seniors,” Kelly added. “We are all really close and I think that is a key part of the winning streak. It is important that we keep playing together as a unit.”
Nicole Lewis made nine saves for the Bobcats.
Rider is now 2-1 in overtime this season, having defeated Villanova after losing to Hofstra.
Rider defeated the Bobcats 1-0 in Lawrenceville last season when Egusquiza scored with less than 10 minutes left in regulation. Rider won 4-0 in Hamden in 2008 and 2-1 in overtime in 2007. The Bobcats last defeated Rider in 2006 by a 3-1 score.
The Broncs have won 13 of the 23 games all-time against the Bobcats.
“It is always a dog fight against Quinnipiac,” Hussong added. “They are a quality program, well coached and have a lot of skilled players.”
Rider travels to Sacred Heart for an NEC game on Sunday at 3 p.m.
“Sunday will be a tough game,” Hussong said. “We are anticipating a great battle with them as well.”
Sacred Heart (2-10, 0-2 NEC) lost at home to Monmouth 1-0 on Friday afternoon. Rider, Monmouth and Bryant are the only undefeated teams left in NEC play after two games.
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