Box Score Valerie Landis (Quakertown, PA/Quakertown) picked a fine time for her first goal of the year. The senior scored in overtime Wednesday afternoon, giving Eastern Mennonite a thrilling 3-2 win over St. Mary's in Harrisonburg.
The Seahawks scored first, putting in a rebounded shot in the sixth minute. But EMU had the quick equalizer six minutes later. Jenessa Derstine (Harleysville, PA/Christopher Dock) notched her second goal of the season with an assist from Jenna Longenecker (Lancaster, PA/Conestoga Valley).
The Lady Royals kept the pressure on offensively, but St. Mary's got the next goal, going back in front 2-1 in the 19th minute.
Ominous storm clouds started building on the horizon by halftime, but the second half started as scheduled. The women got their second equalizer 15 minutes in. On a breakaway, Derstine found Nicole Bencsik (Telford, PA/Souderton) streaking up the right side. Bencsik waited to the last second and punched a tough-angled shot past SMC's goalie, tying the score at 2-2.
Eastern Mennonite continued to control play in the second, but couldn't take the lead. The Seahawks made a strike with eight minutes left, with Mary Beth Danaher (Matoaca, VA/Matoaca) making a save.
Both teams had good chances in the final minutes of regulation but neither team scored. Defenders Bethany Hench (Carlisle, PA/Carlisle) and Mollie Lehman (Lancaster, PA/Lancaster Mennonite) made nice plays to help keep the game tied.
The Lady Royals controlled overtime, firing six shots to SMC's none. The oncoming rain seemed almost as certain as EMU finally getting a shot to go in, but Landis' game-winner 2:08 in allowed the women to beat the weather.
While Landis provided the final score, Derstine continued her fine play as of late, as she scored once and picked up assists on both of the other EMU goals.
The women worked well together, limiting St. Mary's to just six shots in the game while getting 22 shots of their own. EMU also had a 12-4 edge in shots on goal.
Danaher finished with two saves.
The Lady Royals improve to 2-3 with the win and will host Frostburg State this Friday night in Harrisonburg.
