Nicole Hauer's Overtime Goal lifts Raiders over Bay Path, 2-1

(Nashua, NH) As the time ticked away in the first overtime period, the Rivier University Field Hockey team got a sudden surge to the net and freshman Nicole Hauer (North Attleboro, MA) was able to knock home the game winner as the Raiders defeated Bay Path College, 2-1 this evening in a thrilling non-conference contest at Raider Field.

Both squads battled hard throughout the first half and the Raiders had their chances. 13 of Rivier's 23 shots in the game came in the first 35 minutes and Bay Path's goaltender, Anna Meyer was able to stop the eight shots that found their way to the net.

However, just 1:53 into the second half, Rivier freshman Meredith Garcia (Newton, NH) scooped up a loose ball in front of the net and got it between the pipes as her first collegiate goal gave Rivier the 1-0 advantage.

The Wildcats, who are still searching for their first win of the season, came right back and knotted things at one apiece when Katherine Cabot snuck one past junior Makenzie Flagg (Shirley, MA) at the 46:28 mark.

The score remained tied until Hauer gave Rivier their third win of the season with her team leading fifth goal of 2013.

Flagg was successful on 7 of 8 shots on net for the win while her counterpart Meyer made 15 saves on the night.

Rivier outshot Bay Path 23-11 and held the advantage with a 12-7 margin on penalty corners.

The Raiders (3-5 overall, 0-1 NAC) will return to action on Saturday afternoon as they travel to Standish, Maine for a North Atlantic Conference Contest with Saint Joseph's College. Bay Path (0-6 overall) will travel to Wells College on Saturday afternoon for their next scheduled matchup.