GLASSBORO, NJ – Gracie Merrick scored two minutes into overtime to lift #20 Rowan over #20 (tie) Lynchburg, 4-3, in non-conference field hockey action to extend the Profs’ winning streak to four. Merrick’s sudden victory goal was her first gamewinner of the season and the third of her career, while also her first goal of the year.
Rowan (8-3) trailed, 3-2, at halftime until it got the equalizer in the third quarter.Kaylee Wenzel was on a breakaway and Lynchburg’s Shay Schoones came out of the cage to make the stop. The ball popped to the far side andKylie Elwell was there to send it into the empty net at 39:21.
The Profs trailed 2-0 as Lynchburg (6-3) opened the scoring at 10:36 and then added its second goal at 16:52 to stake the lead.
Rowan got on the board at 22:28 whenOlivia Griffin tipped in a shot byAlexa Ronning. The Profs tied the game with 3:07 remaining in the half asTess Herman centered a pass toSydney Kowalczyk, who chipped it in from close range, for her team-best 11th goal of the season.
Lynchburg beat the buzzer at the end of the half to regain the lead, 3-2, on an unassisted goal from Saar Prins.
FreshmanElla Morton made the first start of her career in goal for Rowan and made five saves to pick up the win, with the Profs maintaining a 12-9 advantage in shots on goal.
Rowan opens defense of its NJAC championship when conference play gets underway on Wednesday as the Profs host Stockton at 6 p.m.
It is also Tailgate at the Turf night beginning at 5 p.m. with tacos, desserts and games in the stadium. All Rowan students in attendance will be entered to win a Philadelphia Eagles Starter Pack featuring chairs, tumblers and a cooler. One lucky fan will get the chance to try their accuracy on the field and win a Blackstone griddle, Admission is free.