Field Hockey: Eacho's hat-trick not enough as Raiders fall in OT

(Henniker, N.H.) Freshman Amy Eacho (Kingston, N.H.) recorded her first career hat-trick however the Rivier University Field Hockey couldn't hang on as they lost at New England College this evening, 5-4 in overtime. The loss is the third one-goal loss for the Raiders as they are now 1-3 on the season while the Pilgrims improve to 1-4.

All four first half goals were scored in the final eight minutes. Eacho broke the scoreless tie in the 28th minute as she netted her first collegiate goal off a loose ball in front of the net. Minutes later Eacho recorded goal #2 as she knocked home another loose ball in the 31st minute.

NEC responded 49 seconds later when Brittany Tierney scored her fourth goal of the season. However Eacho then charged down the field and finished her hat-trick as she was able to give the Raiders a 3-1 lead in the 34th minute.

Sophomore Nicole Mansfield (Acton, Mass.) kicked off the scoring in the second half as she smacked home a pass from freshman Lia Yohanan (Andover, N.J.) in the 42nd minute.

NEC then rallied off three goals courtesy of Sofia Castriotta who netted two and Zoe Pedler banged home the tying goal in the 66th minute.

Castriotta then sealed the game five minutes into the extra time as she took a pass from Krissie Borrero and recorded her own hat-trick and the win for the Pilgrims.

Senior goalkeeper Emily Foster (West Lebanon, N.H.) made four saves in net for the Raiders while NEC's Christine McNeil also made four stops.

Rivier will return to action on Saturday afternoon as they host Anna Maria College in Great Northeast Athletic Conference action at Raider Field.