Swarthmore College Athletics

SWARTHMORE, Pa. - The No. 24 Swarthmore College field hockey team dropped a double-overtime thriller to Rowan University, 3-2, on Wednesday night. Both teams were evenly matched on the scoresheet in a tightly-contested regional showdown. 

Annika Hoyer and Hannah Ulrich provided the scoring. Hoyer kickstarted the night with a second-period tally, while Ulrich notched a go-ahead score in the fourth quarter. The Profs later countered with an equalizer in the 56th minute before clinching victory with a double-OT winner. 

Josie Sarno made six saves in another excellent performance. The rookie had the highlight of the night, stopping a penalty stroke in the 12th minute. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Garnet had a couple shots on goal in the opening stanza, but were turned away by the Profs. Sarno had the play of the evening with an outstanding save on a Rowan penalty stroke in the 12th minute. The rookie dove to her left to keep the game scoreless after the opening stanza. 

- Sarno answered the call once more, making back-to-back saves in the 18th minute. Swarthmore then flipped momentum in its favor with the final three shots of the opening half. Hoyer added the game's first goal after driving home a feed from Libby Castle with traffic in front of the cage. 

- Rowan tied the game with an early goal in the third quarter. Sarno stopped the first shot attempt, but could not defend the ensuing rebound. The Garnet goalie later answered with a save in the 43rd minute to keep the score even. 

- Sarno stifled a couple Rowan scoring chances in the fourth quarter. The goalie challenged the Profs and broke up a fastbreak to prevent a dangerous breakaway opportunity before making another save in the 51st minute. Ulrich then gave the Garnet the lead in the 54th minute, burying a feed from Magdelana Jordan off a well-executed penalty corner. However, Rowan battled back and forced overtime with an equalizer in the 56th minute. 

- Swarthmore dominated the first overtime with four shots on goal, which all resulted in Rowan saves. The Garnet defense did not allow a single shot attempt, while holding a 3-0 advantage on penalty corners. 

- Rowan flipped the script in the second overtime with a 3-1 edge in shots. The Profs eventually won the game in the 78th minute with the deciding score. 

GARNET LEADERS
Goals: Hoyer, Ulrich 1
Assists: Castle, Jordan 1
Shots: Jordan 5
Saves: Sarno 6

UP NEXT
The Garnet (4-3) open conference play against Muhlenberg College on Saturday.