FERRUM, Va. – Ferrum's Madison Cruz delivered the game-winning overtime goal in the 93rd-minute of play, breaking a scoreless tie, as the Panthers earned the 1-0 victory, their first of the 2021 season. Cruz drove home a rebound by teammate Jamie Adams, which ricocheted off a Salem defender to provide Ferrum with the only goal of the contest.

It marked the fifth match between the two programs that reached an overtime frame. Ferrum is now 2-0-2 in overtime matches versus the Spirits.

The Salem defense was highlighted by the performance of goalkeepers Alexcina Wartski and Jordan Tomberlin, who both established single-match career-highs in saves during their time in net. Wartski capped off the night with six saves, while Tomberlin emerged with eight saves in 47:33 in net. Tomberlin broke her single-match career-high in saves by two, topping her previous mark of six, which came against Guilford on September 4, 2019.

The Spirits defense was peppered with 23 shots (15 shots on goal) in the contest. Adams led the way eight shots (seven SOG), while teammate Sydney Kincaid closed with three shots, all in the direction of the net. Teammate Abbey Hayes pitched a shutout for the Panthers, stopping all five Salem shots on goal.

The Salem offense was unable to find its rhythm in the setback, attempting 12 shots (five shots on goal) over the course of the match. Alyson Gammons and Baylee Greenwood attempted three shots each, combining for three shots on goal between them, while Caelan Gual finished the match with two shots, both on goal.

Salem returns to the field on Saturday, September 18th at 1 p.m. when it hosts Covenant at Varsity Field.