GORHAM, Maine – Sophomore
Maddie Niles (Benton, Maine/Lawrence) scored in the 75
th minute to deliver a 2-1 double-overtime win for the University of Southern Maine Huskies over the Husson University Eagles in a non-conference field hockey game Friday evening at Hannaford Field.
Fed an outstanding leading pass from freshman Lizalynn Boudreau (Freeport, Maine), Niles ran onto the ball and made one move in the circle before finding the back of the net as Southern Maine secured its fifth consecutive victory to improve to 5-1 on the season.
THE RECORDS
Husson University (0-5)
Southern Maine (5-1)
Today's game is the 10
th meeting between Southern Maine and Husson in series history. The Huskies' 2-1 win over the Eagles is the first since the 2023 season. Three of the last four games played between both schools have gone to overtime periods. Husson leads the series 6-4.
THE GOALKEEPERS:
HU: Ella Duchette (0-5), 74:45, 2 GA, 11 Saves
SM:
Haylee Romasco (4-0), 74:45, 1 GA, 3 Saves
Defensive Saves: None
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Despite outshooting the Eagles 5-0 in the opening quarter, the game remained scoreless until the 22nd minute when sophomore Eliza Rogers (Waterboro, Maine/Massabesic) converted a pass from senior Dylan Barr (Phippsburg, Maine/Morse) to put the Huskies ahead 1-0 midway through the second quarter.
- The lead was short-lived however as Husson scored against the run of play to even things up in the 28th minute to take the game level headed into the half. Morgan Hersey scored her first goal of the season, collecting a loose ball following a save from her initial shot.
- Neither team generated much offense in the third with USM registering one shot to none for Husson and the game headed into the fourth quarter tied up at 1-1. Senior Bri Townsend (Newport, Maine/Nokomis) had the best look of the fourth quarter for the Huskies with a laser of a shot during a penalty corner, but Husson's Ella Duchette made the stop. The Eagles had a strong look at goal in the closing seconds but Faith Tillotson's offer when wide of the net in the last 90 seconds of regulation.
- In the first overtime, Husson had a lead 2-1 in shots and played with a man-up for two of the final three minutes after a green card was issued. Husson's Maddie Morin put one on frame for the Eagles, but freshman goalkeeper Haylee Romasco (Newport, Maine/Nokomis) made the stop sending the game to the second OT.
- With play mostly in the middle of the field in the second overtime, Boudreau won the ball on the left side of the field and carried it towards goal before sending a ball through allowing Niles to split the defenders and run onto ball alone in the circle for the game-winner.
INSIDE THE STATS:
- Niles' game-winner is the first of her Husky career. Niles had eight goals and four assists in 21 games as a rookie, earning Little East Rookie of the Year honors. She has three goals and two assists through six games this season.
- Boudreau's assist is the first point of her intercollegiate career. The Huskies' midfielder has played and started each of Southern Maine's six game this season.
- Romasco has played in five games with five starts for her 4-0 record. She has a 0.84 goals against averaging and a .750 save percentage.
- The Huskies have outshot their opponents 121-38 over six games, and have outscored their opponents 13-6.
UP NEXT:
Southern Maine will face a tough four-game stretch over the next week. The Huskies host No. 24 University of Lynchburg on Sunday, September 20 (12:00 pm) at Hannaford Field. The Huskies are then on the road for their next three games traveling to No. 16 Endicott College on September 23 (7:00 pm), nearby Saint Joseph's College on September 26 (11:00 am) and finally at No. 15 Bowdoin College on September 29 (7:00 pm).
-cac-
