In their final home contest of the 2012 season, the Saint Peter's University women's soccer team pulled off a tremendous 2-1 double overtime victory over the Defending MAAC Champions, Marist College. Senior Chloe Zmolek scored the game-tying goal in the 66th minute of play to help send the Peacocks into extra time, while junior Emily Fenice netted the game winner with just 49 seconds remaining in the second overtime period. With the win, the Peacocks improve to 2-15 overall and pick up their first conference win of the year. Marist falls to 12-6 overall and also record their first MAAC loss of the year (6-1 MAAC).
The victory marked the first win for the Peacocks against the Red Foxes since 2004. During that time, Marist has outscored Saint Peter's by a 22-3 margin.
"Inconsistency is an expected and natural part of building a program", remarked Head Coach Brett Sarsfield. "Though our quality of play has been quite good, it unfortunately hasn't been reflected in many of our results. However, the girls have done a tremendous job of sticking together throughout this process and the result today is a direct reflection of that. I am really proud of the team, and especially happy for Caitlin, Jamie, and Chloe as they all contributed tremendously to the result. I have great respect for Kate and her Marist program, as it took us putting all of the pieces together today to get the win."
After playing to a scoreless first half, Marist scored the first marker of the match five minutes into the second frame. Marist's Alysa Murphy found teammate Rycke Guiney thirty yards out on the right side, who proceeded to send the ball to the back of the net for a 1-0 advantage.
Marist maintained their lead until Emily Fenice sent a pass across the 18 yard line to senior Chloe Zmolek. Zmolek sent a shot into the upper-90 of the goal to tie the contest at 1 (66:05) and record her third goal of the year.
Despite being outshot 25-9 for the first two halves of regulation, the Peacocks managed to hold off the Red Foxes' offensive threats and entered overtime for the second time this season.
The Red Foxes nearly won the match three minutes into the first overtime period, as Guiney blasted a shot attempt towards the goal that was blocked by Peacock defender Madison Gregory. Guiney attempted to kick in the save attempt, but goalie Caitlin Hoffer fought off the second shot to preserve the tie.
Marist had a 3-1 advantage in shot attempts in the first overtime period but failed to connect on any of their tries.
With 49 seconds remaining in the second overtime, Hoffer would send a punt well past the midfield to Emily Fenice, who proceeded to dribble up the field and net the game-winning goal from 18 yards out.
For the match, Marist finished with 32 total shots to Saint Peter's 14.
Hoffer finished with a career-high 17 saves in goal to receive the win.
Seniors Caitlin Hoffer, Jamie Lisanti and Chloe Zmolek were all honored prior to kickoff for their contributions to the Saint Peter's women's soccer program.
The Peacocks return to action next Friday, October 26th for a 7pm match against Fairfield in Connecticut.
