College Field Hockey
Rider University 2, University of Vermont 1 (2 o.t.)

BURLINGTON, Vt.—Junior Melyssa Alonso (Toms River, N.J./Toms River HS North) broke a 1-1 tie, scoring the game-winner in double overtime to lead the Rider University field hockey team to a win over the University of Vermont on Sunday afternoon.

“It was a very physical game and both teams went after each other,” said head coach Lori Hussong.  “Our defense did a very good job containing them.”

Alonso picked up a rebound after a penalty corner and hit the back of the cage 6:23 into the second overtime period, giving Rider its fourth straight win.

“Melissa's play was an all out hustle goal,” said Hussong.  “The ball got dumped in on a corner and pushed back out and back in and back out and she shot an unbelievable shot from an impossible angle right into the corner of the cage.  She placed the ball perfectly.”

“The ball came off the goalie's pads and I went after it and flipped it in,” Alonso said.  “This feels great and I'm so happy for the team because everyone worked hard to get the win.”

Alonso, who had her first assist of the season in Rider's win over Colgate on October 10, notched her first goal of the season to give the Broncs the victory.

“Melissa has added stability on the back line for us,” Hussong said.  “Between her, Dez (Fillmyer) and Stacey (Dileo), they all work so well together.  She has a never quit attitude and that is something the other players can rally off of.”

Sophomore Carlota Alsina (Barcelona, Spain) scored for the second game in a row, breaking a scoreless tie with 18:32 left in regulation on a shot from the top of the circle.

“Carlota is working hard,” Hussong said.  “She is very productive for us.  She is capable of moving the ball up the field and her passing game is good as well, creating scoring opportunities for us.”

Vermont (1-12) tied the game 1-1 just 51 seconds later on a one-timer from in front of the goal.

Rider junior goalie Joelle Prettyman (Newark, Del./St. Mark's) made four saves for her sixth win of the season.

“Right before the game-winner, Joelle came up with a big save, with two Vermont players wide open,” said Hussong.  "She played outstanding."

The Broncs out-shot Vermont 17-11 including 7-3 in the overtime periods.

Rider (7-5) held a 9-5 penalty corner advantage, including 3-0 in the second overtime.

Also for the Bronc defense, senior Stacey Dileo (Fairfield, Conn./Fairfield Warde) had her fourth defensive save of the season.

Rider and Vermont last met on October 4, 2003 when the Broncs also won in Burlington, Vermont by a 2-1 score. 

Rider leads the all-time series 2-0.

This is Rider's first overtime win in three OT games this season and the Broncs are now 4-4 in games decided by one goal.

The Broncs begin conference play with a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game against Monmouth University on October 17 at Ben Cohen Field, beginning at 7pm.

-RU-