Alyssa Whitman	Krista Osborne	Christina Black

Photos (by Dan Ceccacci)

SCRANTON, Pa.  – After over 96 minutes of action, senior Alyssa Whitman (Bethlehem, Pa./Saucon Valley)  picked the perfect time to tally her 23^rd career goal, as the score lifted the University of Scranton field hockey team to a thrilling 2-1 victory over visiting Muhlenberg in double overtime on Tuesday night at Fitzpatrick Field.

In the win, both teams failed to convert on scoring chances in the first period, as things went into the second 35 minutes still scoreless.

Ten minutes into the second half, however, the Royals (1-0 on the year) broke the scoreless tie, as senior Krista Osborne (Blue Bell, Pa./Gwynedd-Mercy Academy) scored unassisted from 10 yards out to give Scranton the 1-0 edge. The goal was the 24^th of Osborne's career.

As the clock continued to wind down throughout the second period, it appeared Scranton had the game locked up. But, Muhlenberg (0-1 with the loss) mounted one final attack on net late and cashed in, scoring the equalizer with just 55 second left in regulation to send the game to sudden death overtime.

In the first overtime frame, the pace was frantic, but neither team could score the game-winner. In the first overtime alone, Scranton's sophomore goalie Christina Black (Lafayette Hill, Pa./Mt. St. Joseph Academy) made two saves, while Muhlenberg keeper Claire Notarianni also stopped two shots.

In the second and final overtime period, the pace slowed, as both teams had fewer chances on net. Finally, with 3:30 remaining, junior Amanda Maresca (Matawan, N.J./St. John Vianney) sent a shot on net that was saved by Notarianni.

Whitman, however, was in position to deflect the save into the net, winning the game in the process for Scranton.

Overall, Muhlenberg outshot Scranton 13-10 in the match, which made for a busy night for Black, who ended the evening with six saves in a winning effort in between the pipes for the Royals.

With the win, this marked the third straight season that Scranton opened up a campaign with a victory over Muhlenberg, as well.

The University of Scranton field hockey team returns to action on Saturday, as they head down to Keystone College for another out-of-conference tilt. The match gets underway at 1 p.m.

--ROYALS--