In Orono, Maine, spectators were treated to a close back and forth Friday afternoon game followed by a 2-1 overtime thriller between the Quinnipiac Bobcats and the Maine Black Bears. Ultimately, the Bobcats came up short.
For the first time in 13 years, Quinnipiac started the season 2-0. It entered the game looking to extend its win streak to three games after defeating Holy Cross and Bucknell.
The Black Bears stepped onto the field looking for their first win of the season after losing to Indiana University and Boston College in their first two games.
Quinnipiac came out strong in the first quarter, maintaining possession and earning a penalty corner early in the game. Inserting for the Bobcats was senior forward Cameron Brower who passed it off to sophomore midfielder Francisca Eschoyez. Eschoyez got a shot off, but Maine’s junior goalkeeper Jayde Temby denied the attempt. The rest of the quarter, both teams battled with scoring chances but neither could capitalize.
Maine put pressure on to start the second quarter, getting three consecutive corners, as Quinnipiac racked up the penalties while in its own shooting circle. Despite this, the defense remained strong and they were able to hold off the Black Bears for the time being.
A great defensive effort gave the Bobcats momentum, which they turned into scoring chances. Sophomore midfielder Lucia Donati scored her first goal of the season, putting Quinnipiac ahead.
But the lead was short-lived.
Maine answered shortly after, with a deflection off a corner, sending the game into halftime tied 1-1.
After the first half, the Bobcats had just two shots, whereas Maine had six. Maine was also ahead in penalty corners with seven, while Quinnipiac sat with one.
The back and forth effort continued into the third quarter.
Maine scored with under three minutes left, but after review it was overturned when officials spotted the ball hit a Black Bear’s foot before going in.
In the last six seconds of the third, the Black Bears earned a corner. To Quinnipiac’s delight, the ball was shot over the net, and the game remained tied.
The fourth quarter remained competitive and Quinnipiac was close to victory when Eschoyez scored off a corner.
The Bobcat’s excitement was soon dampened after an official review called back the goal for being too high off the ground. The Bobcats continued to have chances, but were held without a goal in the fourth.
In the last six seconds of regulation, the Black Bears were awarded a corner but they were unable to convert leaving the game tied at one goal apiece.
To determine the overall winner of the day, the Bobcats went into overtime.
Junior forward Saylor Kuefler secured the game for the Black Bears, handing Quinnipiac its first loss of the season.
Quinnipiac will travel to Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts, on Sept. 6. Face-off is set for 2 p.m., giving the Bobcats a chance to redeem themselves and bring home a win this weekend.
