WORCESTER, Mass – Junior Alexa Lucci (Hope, R.I.) scored in the 80th minute, leading the Hawks to a 1-1 tie with Stonehill College on Friday afternoon in the opening round of the Inaugural Catholic Cup. The game remained tied after two overtime periods and ended, 6-5, in favor of the Skyhawks in penalty kicks.
Although the game ended in a tie, Stonehill advances to the championship round of the Catholic Cup with its win in penalty kicks.
With the tie, Saint Anselm now stands at 0-0-1 on the young season, while the Skyhawks also move to 0-0-1.
After a scoreless first half, Stonehill's Casey Mathews gave the Skyhawks a lead in the 47th minute as she chipped a ball over the head of Saint Anselm goalkeeper Gabriella Primera (Kennett Square, Pa.) for her first goal of the season.
Saint Anselm had the answer, however, in the 80th minute when Lucci picked up a Rachel Gillies (Auburn, Mass.) corner kick and sent the ball to the back of the net with her right foot.
After a pair of scoreless overtime periods, the game was decided in penalty kicks. Saint Anselm missed its second attempt, then the Skyhawks made their first four kicks, giving Stonehill a chance to seal the game with its fifth kick. The Skyhawks missed that attempt, however, extending the shootout. Stonehill's Amy Wheaton stopped a second free kick, and the Skyhawks took the shootout 6-5 in seven rounds.
Primera made seven saves, while Wheaton was called upon to make eight. Saint Anselm held a 17-15 advantage in shots on goal.
The Hawks return to action Saturday, September 7 at noon, as they face off with Saint Michael's for the Consolation Game of the Catholic Cup. Stay up-to-date with the latest news, including game previews and recaps, directly from the Saint Anselm College athletic department by liking us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/STAHawks) and following us on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/STAHawks).
