Box Score WEST CHESTER, Pa. –
Hannah Davies (Mountain Top, Pa./Crestwood) tipped a blast from
Dayle Paustian (Martinsville, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan) into the upper left-hand corner of the goal eight minutes into overtime to give host West Chester a 2-1 victory over Millersville Wednesday.
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Second-ranked West Chester (11-2, 8-1 PSAC) moved into first place in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference standings ahead of top-ranked Millersville (11-2, 8-2) while avenging an overtime loss to the Marauders almost one month ago in Millersville.
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A rain-soaked Vonnie Gros Field was the setting for No. 1 vs. No. 2, but not even Mother Nature could put a damper on the field hockey on display Wednesday evening under the lights. For 70 minutes, the two national powers only traded penalty stroke goals – one in each half – which meant extra time was necessary to decide the match. Â
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Approximately eight minutes into the first OT period, West Chester was awarded back-to-back penalty corners. The second opportunity was the difference in the game as Paustian lined up a blast from just inside the circle on the far side. Her shot was tipped in front by Davies and sailed over the shoulder of Millersville goalkeeper Lauren Sotzin (11-2) into the top left-hand corner of the goal.
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Both goalkeepers were called upon to make just one save through regulation. West Chester's
Sarah Krause (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) (6-2) picked up the win in the cage for the Golden Rams.
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With the win, West Chester put an end to a personal five-game losing streak to Millersville, registering its first win over the Marauders since the 2012 PSAC Championship Game also played at Vonnie Gros Field. It also give the Golden Rams an inside track to the regular-season conference title with five games still left to play. The regular-season champion will host the PSAC Tournament semifinals and finals on Nov. 14-15.
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West Chester continues its brief homestand on Saturday with a 1 p.m. match against Bloomsburg.
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