WEST CHESTER, PA –
Erin O'Donnell (Lansdale, Pa./North Penn) inserted the penalty corner in overtime and then ran to the near post and tipped in a shot from
Gianna Funari (Voorhees, N.J./Voorhees) to lift host West Chester to a 2-1 victory over visiting East Stroudsburg Saturday afternoon at Vonnie Gros Field.
West Chester (6-2, 1-0 PSAC) ended a personal five-game losing streak to East Stroudsburg (7-1, 0-1) while delivering the Warriors their first loss of the season. It was the conference opener for both schools Saturday.
O'Donnell's third tally of the season was the game-winner for the home team.
Veerle Hersman (Lisse, The Netherlands) drew first blood in the third quarter when she dibbled into the circle on her own and beat ESU goalkeeper Jet Vermeulen to the left side for her sixth goal of the year.
East Stroudsburg came back about 10 minutes later when Emma Friend notched her fourth of the year on a shot that deflected off the blocker of West Chester goalkeeper
Audra Szymborski (Furlong, Pa./Central Bucks East).
Szymborski was excellent in goal all day, coming out and making a number of slide tackle saves on Warrior opportunities. She finished with a game-high nine saves. ESU starting keeper Sydney Pope played the first half and did not allow a goal while making six saves. The plan was for her to play the first half all along, and Vermeulen came on in the second half and went the rest of the way. She made four saves for the visitors.
West Chester will host Millersville next Wednesday afternoon at Vonnie Gros Field at 5 p.m.
