No.10 ranked Field Hockey wins in Double OT; Improves to 6-1

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Pace Athletics.

Senior Rachel Platko hit the game-winner in double overtime against Franklin Pierce this past Saturday.

Kwadar Ray, Managing Editor

The Pace Field Hockey team exploded onto the Division-II scene with a 15-4 record last year. 2017 saw the team members win multiple accolades.

Coming into 2018, it was time to prove the impressive season last year was no fluke, and they have done an outstanding job thus far as the No. 10 team in the nation.

The Setters began the season 5-1 and they were looking to improve upon their record when they took on Franklin Pierce University this past Saturday at Peter X. Finnerty Field.

Though the Setters dominated the box score with a plethora of offensive chances that saw them earn a 19-1 edge in penalty corners, it was still a scoreless game at the end of regulation. The Setters were headed into their first overtime since last year’s playoff loss to Assumption College.

However, it was a different result altogether.

The first overtime saw the Setters get close a few times, but still not able to make a goal. It was not until double overtime when senior Rachel Platko hit a diving goal in the 82nd minute after an assist from fellow senior Halley Rose.

Among the other heroes of the game was freshman goalkeeper Grace Henderson. She picked up the win in net and achieved her fourth shutout of the season. She currently leads the NE-10 in goals-against average at 0.45 having allowed only three goals in over 460 minutes of play. She has proven to be a viable replacement for recent graduate Lesly Sanchez Alvarez, who earned second-team All-American honors last season at goalkeeper.

Henderson was greatly aided by a smothering defense that allowed no shots on net, making it an overall team win for the now 6-1 Setters.

The Field Hockey team will play their second consecutive home game on Wednesday when they take on the winless Southern Connecticut State Owls, who the Setters defeated last season 4-1.