GREENWOOD, S.C. – Despite beginning overtime a player down, the Lander field hockey team needed just over a minute to strike the golden goal as
Lauren Punt set up
Leira Van Tilburg for the winner in a 2-1 victory over Frostburg State on Sunday afternoon at Frank Hill Stadium. It was the first ever non-conference home game in program history.
Punt had a hand in both Lander goals, scoring the opener in the 26th minute when her shot deflected off a Frostburg defender and into the cage. She later delivered the decisive assist in overtime to Van Tilburg.
The Bearcats controlled much of the first half, outshooting the Bobcats 7-1 before halftime and forcing three saves in the opening quarter. Frostburg equalized four minutes into the third quarter on a rebound finish by Rachel Young to tie the match 1-1.
Neither side could break through in regulation, and a late fourth-quarter green card to freshman Talia Packham left the Bearcats shorthanded to start overtime. Lander successfully killed off the penalty, and shortly after returning to full strength, Punt slipped a pass to Van Tilburg for the game-winner at 61:09.
Lander held an 11-5 advantage in shots and a 4-2 edge in penalty corners. Senior goalkeeper Isabel Elenga earned the win with one save, while Frostburg's Zoe Barnes stopped five shots in the loss.
The Bearcats (1-0) open South Atlantic Conference play Thursday at Converse. First pushback is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Fulp Field in Spartanburg.
