College Field Hockey
Rider University 2, Quinnipiac University 1 (o.t.)
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Game

HAMDEN, Conn.—Over time, you remember the instant classics.  Especially the ones that end with a win in overtime.

Junior Melyssa Alonso (Toms River/Toms River HS North) broke a 1-1 tie, scoring, 5:41 into the first overtime period as the Rider University field hockey team won in come from behind fashion at Quinnipiac University on Friday afternoon in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game.

“KK (sophomore Kalyn O'Brien) took the initial shot on the corner,” Alonso remembered.  “I was able to battle through the defense and get to the post and slip it in.  This feels great.  We wanted to win and the team played with a lot of heart.”

“This was two evenly matched teams just going after each other,” said head coach Lori Hussong.  “To come back on the road, down a goal, late in the game and to keep fighting, this is a testimate to their will, hustle and desire to win.  Everyone gave their all and tried their hardest.”

Alonso now has three goals on the season, all game-winners, as she hit the back of the cage for the third time in the last four games.

“Alonso has that winning mentality,” Hussong said about her now offensive defenseman.  “She just keeps giving her all, on both ends of the field.”

Senior Dezarae Fillmyer (Roebling/Florence) scored her fifth goal of the season, converting a penalty corner with 5:34 left in regulation, tying the game 1-1 with sophomore Melissa Cunningham (Oaklyn/Collingswood) credited with the assist.

Bobcat senior Danielle Allan broke a scoreless tie with 20 minutes left in the game, converting a rebound after a penalty corner.

“We kept our head up after we got down a goal,” Alonso added.  “We battled and didn't want to lose.  It was a tough and physical game and we powered through.”

“I called my timeout with nine minutes left and told the team to just stay after it,” Hussong said.  “We kept up the pressure and got the game tied.”

Bronc junior goalie Joelle Prettyman (Newark, Del./St. Mark's) made five saves as Quinnipiac (6-9, 2-1 MAAC) out-shot Rider (9-6, 2-0 MAAC) 14-11.

“Joelle came out to play for us,” Alonso added.  “She made some great saves and that allowed us to come out on top.”

“Joelle was outstanding,” said Hussong.  “Quinnipiac kept up the pressure and she kept us in the game.”

Each team had 10 penalty corners.

"The play of the defense was exceptional," Hussong added.  "Dez (Fillmyer), Stacey (Dileo) and Alonso and also the play of Carlota (Alsina) in the midfield."

Rider has won 17 of the 28 meetings all-time against Quinnipiac, dating back to 1998.

Rider defeated Quinnipiac 2-1 in 2013 on Ben Cohen Field in Lawrenceville on a goal with 3:01 left in the game as the Broncs also rallied from a one-goal deficit in that game.

Rider and Quinnipiac met during the 2012 regular season with the Bobcats giving Rider its only conference loss of the season, 3-2 in Hamden, Connecticut.  The Broncs gained revenge by defeating the Bobcats 4-1 in the conference semifinals.

The Broncs have now won two of four overtime games this season and Rider improves to 6-4 in one-goal games, having won five one-goal games in a row.

“The team has learned to reach inside and find that little extra needed to come through and get it done," Hussong said.  "We've learned how to win as the season has developed and we couldn't be more proud.  We've learned how to play as a team and to never give up.”

Rider travels to Fairfield, Connecticut on Sunday to face Sacred Heart University at 3pm.

“Sunday is going to be another battle,” Hussong said.  “Every conference game, especially on the road is 50-50 and we have to guard against a letdown.  All of the teams in the conference are even.”

-RU-