Overtime Thriller: Marquette Field Hockey Outlasts Nerinx Hall

Despite controlling possession and tempo for most of the game, the Nerinx Hall Markers fell to the Marquette Mustangs in double overtime 2-2 (3-2 penalty shots) on Monday evening.

From the beginning, the Markers seized control, almost catching the Mustangs off guard by testing their defense early and often throughout the first part of the half. But, a quick surge from Marquette put them on top 1-0 late in the first half.

As the halftime horn approached, Markers midfielder Maddy Brennan worked her way through the Mustangs defense and beat goalkeeper Angelina Kelly to make the score 1-1.

At the beginning of the second half, both sides emphasized defense as scoring opportunities were few and far between. After a series of corners in the Markers defensive zone, Annelise Lulow fired an impressive slap shot to put the Mustangs back on top, 2-1.

The Mustangs lead lasted until 30 seconds remained in the game, as a cross pass through traffic from Markers forward Maria Redel found its way to Katie Finnegan for a one-timer that zipped past Kelly.

Tentative play dominated the first overtime, leading to a second overtime of penalty shots. After the Markers took an early lead in the penalty shots, Mustangs goalkeeper Kelly shut down the Markers offense and allowed her teammates to complete the comeback and snap their losing streak.

The Mustangs started 5-0 this season, but had been shut down offensively in their past five games (all losses) before their matchup with Nerinx Hall, only managing to muster three goals in their previous five games.

Nerinx Hall (5-2) had fared better of late, dominating its opponents with their high-powered offense before being shut down by the Mustangs.