Wellesley, Mass. –October 1, 2011 — Junior Emily Lewis scored the game-winning goal eight minutes into overtime, as the Wellesley College field hockey team notched a 2-1 triumph over NEWMAC-rival Springfield, on a dreary Saturday afternoon in Wellesley.

Lewis used solid stick skills to draw the Springfield keeper out of the net, and sent a shot from the right side that eluded two Pride field players and found the back of the cage. The goal, Lewis’ team leading 10th of the season, broke a 1-1 tie and gave Wellesley its second NEWMAC victory of the season.

Wellesley dominated much of the contest, holding a 15-4 advantage in shots and an 11-4 edge in penalty corners. The Blue, however, couldn’t capitalize on a solid first half where they held Springfield without a shot, while launching six of their own.

The Blue finally broke through in the 48th minute, when first-year Lallie Lukens scored on an assist from classmate Natalie Gruet. The goal came after a missed opportunity on a penalty corner, but Wellesley was able to recover for the 1-0 lead.

Springfield tied the game at 1-1, when Kelly Gallo redirected a Jennifer Angevine bid in the 54th minute. Gallo’s tally marked the first shot of the contest for the Pride.

Both teams had opportunities to end the game in regulation, but Wellesley keeper Brit Mscisz and Springfield netminder Tory Sowizral each came up with big saves to send the game into overtime where Lewis won it for the Blue.

The win improves Wellesley to 6-5 overall, 2-2 in conference match-ups. The loss drops the Pride to 0-8 on the season, with an 0-2 mark in NEWMAC play.

Springfield will next play Tuesday, October 4, at 7 pm at Stagg Field versus NEWMAC-rival Smith.

(Photo by Cindi Williamson of Fat Dog Fotos)