Colby-Sawyer Scores OT Win

NEW LONDON, N.H. – September 1, 2011 – Colby-Sawyer freshman Nykki Stritzinger (Bel Air, Md.) scored 1:20 into the first overtime session to secure a 2-1 win over Anna Maria on Thursday evening. Colby-Sawyer is in its first varsity season since the 1980's.

Colby-Sawyer improves to 1-0 on the season, while Anna Maria drops to 0-1.

Stritzinger connected on the game-winning goal early in the first overtime after a pass from freshman Katharine Kessler (Newport, N.H.) found her waiting in front of the cage.

Kessler began the scoring in the first half for the home team. She took a pass from freshman Hannah Coggins (W. Newbury, Mass.) and found the back of the cage to give Colby-Sawyer a 1-0 advantage.
Anna Maria knotted the game at 1-1 in the 31st minute on a goal from junior Marybeth McClune (Worcester, Mass.).

The AMCATS had a chance to win the game as time was running out in the second when sophomore Brooke Denver (New Britain, Conn.) took a penalty corner. She passed the ball to a waiting Michelle Blackler (Ashland, Mass.) who ripped a shot that went in as time expired, but it was waved off because she was just behind the circle.

Colby-Sawyer goalie, sophomore Colleen O'Hurley (Weare, N.H.), made six saves in the victory. Anna Maria keeper, MJ Steinmetz (Grafton, Mass.), made one save in the loss.

"This is a great first step in building a solid foundation for the Colby-Sawyer Field Hockey program," said Head Coach Emily Rinde-Thorsen. "I am extremely pleased with this outing as the team continues to gel together."

Colby-Sawyer travels to Becker on Saturday for an 11:00 am tilt. Anna Maria will play at Fitchburg State at noon, also on Saturday.