Ruocco scores twice but Saint Joseph's gets the win in 2OT

(Nashua, NH) Freshman Breanna Budyrk (Tewksbury, MA) scored with just 21.7 seconds left in regulation to force overtime but it was Saint Joseph's College who came away with the victory in double overtime North Atlantic Conference action this afternoon at Raider Field.

Senior Ashley Ruocco (East Kingston, NH) scored two first half goals as the Raiders held a 2-1 advantage at the horn. Ruocco netted her first goal after senior Kristen Tyler (Thornton, NH) thread a pass through a couple of Saint Joseph's defenders at the 4:53 mark. The pair would reconnect later in the half (31:42 mark) as Ruocco took the pass from Tyler and dribbled around the Monks goaltender.

Saint Joseph's scored their first half goal when Carly Dennis knocked home a rebound in front of the Rivier net.

The Monks (6-2 overall, 3-1 NAC) would tie the game and take the lead in the second half. Brittany Locke hammered home a shot from the 16 as she was assisted by both Theresa Hendrix and Elizabeth Andersen - who took the corner at 48:39. Just 8 minutes later, Saint Joseph's would take the lead as Rachelle Messuri lifted her shot up and over the outstretched Raider goaltender. Dennis was credited with the assist on the play as she took the corner and passed it to Messuri.

Trailing by a goal, Rivier would mount a tremendous push inside the final minute. Tyler took a shot from inside the 16 and the rebound fell on the stick of Burdyk who put it into the wide open net to tie the game at 3.

Three minutes into the overtime period, Saint Joseph's was awarded a penalty stroke due to the Rivier keeper covering the ball. Sophomore goalkeeper Makenzie Flagg (Shirley, MA) proceeded to stop the shot and extend the game.

It was not until the 93rd minute when Kayla Royer was finally able to get one past Flagg for the win.

Flagg finished the game with 20 saves as the Monks outshot the Raiders 31-4. Saint Joseph's goalkeeper Taylor Allison earned the win in relief as she came off the bench and stopped 1 of 2 shots she faced.

Rivier will enjoy a day off tomorrow as they prepare to host Bay Path College on Tuesday night at 7pm on the hill. Saint Joseph's will also be hosting a game on Tuesday afternoon as the Seagulls of Endicott College invade Standish, Maine. Game time is set for 3:30pm.