LEXINGTON, Va. --- Allison Kirk scored in overtime as the Bridgewater College field hockey team knocked off nationally 15th-ranked and second-seeded Lynchburg, 2-1, to earn a return trip to the ODAC championship game.
In a thrilling finish, the Eagles and goalkeeper Marisa Sims (eight saves) warded off a wave of Lynchburg attacks early in the extra period and, after some close calls themselves, finally broke through as Kirk redirected Caroline Fletcher's pass into the goal.
Senior Taylor Prillaman had scored in the second half and then very nearly won the game in regulation for Bridgewater. Trailing 1-0 early in the second half, she dribbled into the circle and shot inside the near post the tie things up for the Eagles.
Bridgewater had the best chance to win the game in regulation. The Eagles set up a nicely executed corner with 16 minutes remaining but LC goalie Beca Hess (seven saves) dove to her right to block an open Prillaman shot from the center of the area.
Lynchburg earned the first penalty corner of overtime and found Kayla Copeman right in front of the cage, but Sims got a piece of the shot to tip it wide. Meredith Bradsher then turned the corner at the left post and flashed a dangerous pass across the goalmouth that went unfinished.
A few minutes later, Nicole Simpao nearly cut past the second-to-last defender and had a teammate open, but BC defender Laura Gretz stepped up and cleared out the dangerous opportunity.
Rachael Loy broke the other way, with Hess coming way out to the edge of the circle to slide and block the ball away with the net empty behind her. Elizabeth Washington then had a rebound with Hess down but her reverse chip attempt went wide, again with the cage open.
Bridgewater stifled Lynchburg for the opening 35 minutes of the contest, allowing few chances and just one shot on goal. The Hornets were awarded a penalty corner with no time on the clock.
Lynchburg made that chance pay off, as Karissa LeMaire's corner was passed across the goalmouth and Lacey Elliot's shot deflected in to open the scoring.
Bridgewater built up some sustained pressure midway through the first half. Kirk's shot was blocked, and then Hess saved two straight shots from Prillaman. Another rebound attempt by Prillaman flashed wide.
The Hornets picked up a green card with about 20 minutes remaining in regulation but were able to keep possession in the Bridgewater half, including a shot by Copeman that was blocked by Sims.
Lynchburg earned a corner with 11:30 remaining and Sims made the save on Simpao, with the Hornets whistled for a foul before they could get to the dangerous rebound.
Bridgewater improves to 11-8 and will play at top-seeded Washington & Lee tomorrow at 5 p.m. The Eagles are seeking their first-ever ODAC championship, after losing in last year's title game to Lynchburg.
--- This release is courtesy of the Bridgewater College sports information department. ---
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